Sydney Monuments & MemorialsAnzac Memorial Archibald Memorial Fountain Biggles El Alamein Memorial Fountain John Dunmore Lang The Legend of Islay Yininmadyemi Thou didst let fall
There is a little bronze statue titled “The Legend of Islay”, located at the southern side of the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney Central Business District.
Islay is a Skyeterrier, who was Queen Victoria’s favourite pet. A much loved companion of more than 5 years, Islay died after becoming involved in a dispute with a cat.
Islay, a Skye terrier, had been Queen Victoria’s ‘faithful little companion of more than five years . . . always with me, & . . .a great darling’ when he died on 26 April, 1844.
Source: Museum number 1926,0109.11, The British Musuem1
Sometimes referred to as “Sydney’s Talking Dog”, the 60 cm bronze statue is part of the wishing well
Islay is posed above a sandstone wishing well, in a begging pose. Every few minutes, Islay would speak, saying how he gained the power of speech and asking for a coin donation into the wishing well (the money goes to the Sydney Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children).
Near Islay, is the larger than life statue of Queen Victoria, who described Islay as her ‘faithful little companion’. She lavished attention on him and would frequently sketched him. The statue is based on one of her drawings.
Footnote & References
- The heads of two dogs, a cairn and a greyhound, The British Museum, https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1926-0109-11
- Islay, Monument Australia, https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/culture/animals/display/98405-islay
Sydney Monuments & MemorialsAnzac Memorial Archibald Memorial Fountain Biggles El Alamein Memorial Fountain John Dunmore Lang The Legend of Islay Yininmadyemi Thou didst let fall
Sydney AttractionsArt Gallery of NSW Barangaroo Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh Martin Place Queen Victoria Building – QVB St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney City of Escalators Sydney Harbour Bridge Sydney Hyde Park Sydney Monuments & Memorials Sydney Northern Beaches Sydney Opera House Sydney Tower Sydney Town Hall The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Wynyard Park
SydneySydney Art Sydney Accommodation Sydney Attractions Sydney Cityscape Darling Harbour Sydney Fauna Sydney Flora
New South WalesBarunguba Montague Island Bourke Blue Mountains Bundeena Central Coast Kosciuszko National Park Mount Kaputar National Park Lower North Shore Northern Beaches Sapphire Coast Snowy Mountains Region South Coast Stony Range Regional Botanic Garden Sydney