Ashworth Laboratories Reliefs

A series of seventeen roundels on the Kings Buildings Ashworth Buildings containing reliefs of invertebrates and animals representing the principal zoogeographical regions.On the north elevation, viewed from right to left, are: (1) a nine-banded armadillo, side view with its head to the left and turned partially towards the viewer. (2) two sphenodon lizards, entwined. The foreground lizard has its head turned to the viewer's right with its torso twisting to the left over the adjacent lizard's head. Lizard in background is facing the viewer with the head turned partially towards the viewer with the torso twisting to the right. (3) a kangaroo; side view in crouched position with head to viewer's right. (4) a tiger; side view in standing position with head to the viewer's left. The back is arched slightly with the tail sweeping around the rear leg to the underside of its torso. Its mouth is open in a display of aggression. (5) a rhinoceros; side view in standing position with head to the viewer's right. (6) an Indian elephant; side view walking with head to the viewer's left. Its legs are shackled together with ropes. (7) a lion; side view in stooping position with head to the viewer's right. Shown standing at water's edge drinking from a rippled pool. (8) a chimpanzee; front view with lower torso and legs turned to viewer's left and upper body and arms facing viewer. The head is turned slightly to the viewer's right. Shown sitting in a tree with both hands extended either side to hold the branches. (9) an aardvark; side view in standing position with head to viewer's right. The tongue is extended. The series of smaller circular reliefs located below the eaves are (from right to left): repeated in the following sequence: crab; octopus; dung beetle. On the north-east elevation are: (1) a bison; side view in recumbent position with raised head to viewer's left. (2) a beaver; side view with head to viewer's right. Shown standing upon rocks whilst gnawing a branch. (3) a polar bear; side view in crouching position with head to viewer's left turning to look back over torso. Shown standing on rock or ice segments. (4) a golden eagle; side view in standing position with head to viewer's left turning to look back over wings. (5) a reindeer; side view of a stag in a recumbent position with lowered head to viewer's right.

University of Edinburgh, Art Collections: EU5214