Francis Somner (1803 to 1891) was a dog breeder of repute, owner of Shem and other Dandies. He was a source of much of the material for “The Dandie Dinmont Terrier by Charles Cook et al 1885.
Francais Somner lived at West Morriston near Kelso, he then moved into Kelso to become a seed Merchant. His offices were in Woodmarket, He lived in Forrestfield, we think number 20 or 22 as the street was renumbered after the census. His son lived across the road in number 11, we think.
Archie Steel was a breeder from Kelso. Some of his dogs featured in the paintings by John Emms. John Emms was a British painter “of great ability” born 1844 and died 1912. His most famous work is “Callum” and hangs in the National Gallery of Scotland.
John Emms also painted Edenside and this picture was sold in 2006 for £23 748 at Bonhams auction house. He also painted a group of Dandies that may have featured Edenside and Kelso Dandy. This picture sold in 2006 for £ 119,435.
Archie Steel lived at Bridge Street and his kennels were demolished and now is the site of a block of flats and the aptly named Scott Place just off Bowmont Street.
Archie Steel’s Dandies were much prized and several were shipped to the USA.
We will be going to Rutherfords Micro Pub and this has a huge Dandie connection and more will be revealed closer to the time.
Thanks for the photos http://www.dandiebase.com/card.php