A gundog in a pressed shirt, looking off at something you cannot see.
Colonel Barkley is a dog head bust cast in solid iron and finished in a natural rust patina: a smooth-coated hound with soft folded ears, wearing a buttoned collared shirt, mounted on a turned pedestal foot with a square base. He weighs 4 kg, which is the difference between cast iron and the resin pieces that copy this shape. The casting carries the fold of each ear, the collar points and the line of buttons down the front.
At 29cm he is the size of a table lamp, small enough to lift with one hand and characterful enough to hold a console on his own. He is built for outdoor life: the pedestal gives him a flat stable foot, and the rust patina is a finish rather than a fault, so weather deepens him instead of wearing him out.
Why we love it
◆The expression, a working dog's face on a gentleman's bust, played completely straight, which is what makes it funny
◆The shirt, collar, placket and buttons all worked, so the joke lands close up as well as across the room
◆The weight, 4 kg of solid cast iron on a pedestal foot, so he holds a shelf edge without a thought
◆The rust patina, deep amber across the muzzle and shoulders, russet in the folds of the shirt, and it only improves outdoors
Dimensions & Details
Size
9 x 13 x 29 cm
Weight
4 kg net, 4.5 kg packed
Materials
Solid cast iron
Finish
Natural rust patina, hand-finished
Style
French Provincial · anthropomorphic · classical
Suitable for
Indoor, covered outdoor, or open garden. Built to weather.
How to style it
He is a profile piece on a pedestal, so treat him like a small bust rather than an ornament.
Stand him on a hall console or a bookshelf at eye level
Put him on a desk where the shirt collar reads at close range
Set him on a garden table or a wall cap under cover
Pair him with Captain Houndsley, the terrier in a bow tie, for two dogs at odds
Stylist's TipGive him something to look at. He is cast mid-glance rather than facing front, so angle him towards a doorway or a window and he reads as though he has just noticed someone arriving.
Care & Keeping
Wipe with a soft dry cloth to lift dust out of the ear folds and around the shirt collar. The rust patina is a finished surface and needs no sealing. Place a felt pad or a saucer underneath on pale stone or painted timber, and keep harsh chemical cleaners and abrasive pads away from him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can he live outside all year?
Yes. Iron with a natural rust patina is made for open weather, and rain deepens the colour rather than harming it. On pale stone or decking, set a pad underneath so run off does not mark the surface.
What is he made of?
Solid cast iron throughout, pedestal included, finished by hand in a natural rust patina. At 4 kg he is many times the weight of the resin dog busts sold at this size.
How big is he?
9cm wide, 13cm deep and 29cm tall, at 4 kg net. The second photo shows him beside a 30cm wine bottle to scale.
What breed is he?
He is not cast to a breed standard. He reads closest to a labrador or a pointer, with the soft folded ear and the smooth coat, but he is a character rather than a portrait.
Will mine look exactly like the photos?
Close. The patina is applied by hand, so the depth and spread of the rust varies from piece to piece, and no two come out quite the same.
Because Colonel Barkley is hand-finished, slight variations in patina, texture, and grain are natural and add to the unique character of each piece. Colour may also vary slightly between screens, all photography is taken in natural light.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
AUSTRALIA & NZ Australia Post Standard (2-8 business days) free if order is $100 or above (selected metro areas). Check your postcode.
Please refer to our shipping page for more information WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Express Shipping (8-15 business days).
RETURNS We expect you’ll love your purchases. On the off chance you don’t, we’re pleased to offer a refund or exchange.
We offer Returns on full-priced undamaged items within 100 days of purchase.
For more details visit our Returns page
PAYMENT METHODS
afterpay
Pairs Beautifully With
Colonel Barkley French Provincial Dog Bust in a Shirt, Natural Rust Cast Iron 29cmSale price$84.00
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
100-Day Money Back Guarantee◆Free Replacement If It Arrives Damaged◆Shipped From Sydney◆Delivery Insured Free◆Rated 4.98 by 4,566 Customers◆
Got Questions?
We've got answers
What happens if my piece arrives damaged?
Every order is packed with care and insurance cover, but if anything arrives damaged, send us a photo as soon as possible and we'll arrange a replacement. No need to return the damaged piece.
Will my piece look exactly like the photos?
Very close, but expect small variations. Patina depth, paint distress and metal ageing will differ slightly from unit to unit.
Where do you ship from and how long does delivery take?
All Château Living orders ship from our Bribie Island warehouse in Queensland. Standard delivery is 3-7 business days, with tracking sent to your inbox the moment your order leaves us.
What if it doesn't suit my space when it arrives?
You're covered by our 100-Day Money Back Guarantee. If a piece doesn't suit your space, return it within 100 days of delivery for a full refund. We want every Château piece to feel like it was made for your home.
I have never been a clock-watcher, but all that changed with Maude. I can't stop looking at her. Out of the box, slip in an AA battery and on to the wall, just like that! She is simply gorgeous.
This is a present for my horse loving daughter in law. I'm sure it will take pride of place on her mantle piece. Again I love this Web site which I will be visiting often.
Found this beautiful elegant Swan for my garden online via a search at Chateau Living. A great price, quality and excellent ordering and delivery. Would definitely purchase from this business again. They have such a beautiful variety of products.
It was my testing the waters first purchase to check out this new store & what’s on offer. I loved the idea of supplying cast iron cute animal figurines as they’re practical, good looking, solid durable material, great rust finish (no need to buy expensive rust effect paint). Just ready to weather and brings a smile on your dial. I placed my frog with his hands up as if in religious praying gesture next to the concrete funny sign scored at Vinnies reading: grant me patience Lord but hurry - I believe the praying frog and the sign go comically together. I’m thinking of getting the other frog too in its hilarious pose possibly in green patina for contrast. I can confirm it’s heavy cast iron with attractive rust patina. These casts fill the gap in the market dominated by laser cut cortina steel offerings. Just something old school different and complimentary to your garden /house decor. Pleased it’s introduced to Australian market and once for change not made in China… but in France known for its cast iron tradition. We own 18th century French anvil won at an antique auction which is our proud possession so happy to score more in heavy casts.
This may not show on the store website that well but they’re actually old gold colour. It’s lightweight thin metal so perhaps inside or sheltered outdoor space would suit them the best as it may rust out & some fragile parts of the tail break exposed to the weather. They’re as large as described, cleverly designed for packaging - legs are separate with tightening screw. They make an impact due to their size & fit almost any decor with the colour & style.
I was so happy with Chateau Living. Brilliant customer service & speedy delivery. How lucky we are to have an Australian option giving us all these beautiful items for our homes. Highly recommend
I bought this piece as I could see it in my mind's eye having an suspended impact with my high end Brazilian quartz crystal display. Such a well made piece, sturdy and if I didn't know better, from another time. I am planning a candle holder from Chateau Living to complete this display, just having trouble deciding from the elegant range they have available. Very pleased :) Who would have thought you could combine Brazil with French Provincial so perfectly.