Special Sub-Topic: Francis Barraud's 'His Master's Voice' Click Here To Play: Francis Barraud's 'His Master's Voice'

What is the name of the dog in the painting?

Nipper. Nipper was a fox terrier and the model for 'His Master's Voice'.

Who did the dog originally belong to?

Mark Barraud. Nipper belonged to Mark Barraud who was an artist for Prince's Theatre in Bristol. After Mark died, the dog was given to his brother, Francis, a painter. Kruesi was the inventor of the phonograph, and Herriot was the author of 'All Creatures Great And Small'.

Before 'His Master's Voice' was re-painted, what was the color of the horn?

black. No one would buy the painting, and Barraud was advised to paint the horn gold for a better chance of selling it.

When was 'His Master's Voice' copyrighted?

February 11, 1899. It was copyrighted by Francis Barraud in 1899.

What was the original title of the painting?

Dog Looking at and Listening to a Phonograph. When he took the copyright in 1899, the painting was entitled 'Dog Looking at and Listening to a Phonograph'.

To Whom did Barraud sell the painting?

The Gramaphone Company. He sold the painting on October 17, 1899.

How much money did he receive for the painting?

Two payments of 50 pounds. One payment gave the Gramaphone Company reproduction rights, and the second payment gave Barraud's copyright to the company. The total was 100 pounds.

What year did the painting become a registered trademark?

1910. It became a trademark of the Gramaphone company in 1910, first appearing on promotional items, and in letterheads in 1907.

Where is the painting displayed now?

EMI Music's Gloucester Place.

When did the real dog used for the painting die?

1895. Nipper died upon returning home from Kingston-upon-Thames, after a stay with Mark Barraud's widow.