The New Keeper

Charles Burton Barber (1845-1894) was known for his adorable paintings of children with animals. Born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and enrolled in the Royal Academy when he was 18, Barber's greatest love was painting of the natural world. The scenes in Barber's paintings are played out in cozy interiors of rooms or in nature. Barber was a unique animal painter - he portrayed different breeds of dogs extremely accurately. Their plasticity and character were conveyed with amazing accuracy. The animals he painted convey expressions that many pet owners compare to human emotions, including excitement, sadness, longing, and protection. Barber's last painting was for Queen Victoria. It was a portrait in which she was depicted sitting on a pony with a prince and princess, surrounded by dogs.