Beni is met at the top of the stairs every day by the magnificent oil painting of a lion's head. It is as if he were the Guardian of the Museum – a powerful and dangerous animal, yet appearing wise, compassionate, gentle and almost magical, like Aslan from 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. With all the hustle and bustle of excited children rushing past he sits quietly with a look of approval on his face!
This painting was created by Robert Morley (1857-1941). Morley was well known for his paintings of animals, landscapes and historical subjects. He specialised in animal paintings and landscapes from 1888 onwards and became a member of the Royal Society of British Artists (RBS) in 1889. In 1921, he exhibited at the Society of Animal Painters, where one review commented on "his wonted taste for the whimsicalities of animal life!" (Connoisseur 60, 1921).
Accession Number: PCF_KT_MM_03_016 PCF 011