My guinea pig is a work of art

SCOTLAND'S ancient lairds often had their favourite hunting dogs immortalised by artists. But Barry Williamson is perhaps the first proud pet owner to commission an oil painting of his guinea pigs.

The 51-year-old nurse shelled out for the unique portraits so he had something to remember his four guinea pigs when they are gone.

The pet portrait takes pride of place in the playroom of the Craigmount home he shares with his wife Anne, 55, his guinea pigs, two rabbits and a golden retriever.

Barry admited the pictures can draw strange looks – but said he didn't care.

"They were my first pets. I bought them about four years ago after developing a soft spot for my wife's guinea pigs. I know that they don't have a long life expectancy and I wanted something to remember them by," he said.

Barry confessed he was quite obsessive about his guinea pigs and said the painting means a lot to him.

"I had toyed with the idea of getting a portrait done for a while, and I am more than pleased with the results," he said.

He says he can't remember how much he paid for the painting, although he says it was less than the £400 top price artist Laura Hardie usually charges for oil paintings.

"The price didn't matter to me, I was just happy to have it done," he added.

Barry claimed wife Anne thought just as highly as he does of his prized possession. "Oh, she loves it too. Sometimes people think it's a bit strange but that's their problem, not mine," he said.

Silverknowes-based artist Laura has painted several cats, dogs and a parrot for other proud pet owners.

She said: "When he first phoned I thought it was quite unusual, but I didn't treat it any differently.

"It was clear that Barry loves his guinea pigs when I went around to see them. Every owner loves their pets no matter what sort of animal they are."

Animal portraits appear to be a growing trend in the Capital.

"When I started painting pets I didn't realise how popular it would be. People will pay a lot of money to have their animals painted," Laura added.

"When I first started out about four years ago it seemed more of a niche market, but recently I've noticed more people popping up around Edinburgh offering the service. I get about two or three enquiries a week and I've recently had to start a waiting list."

Doreen Graham, spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA, said: "Animals play an important part in our family life and there are many people who want to have a permanent reminder of their pet by commissioning a portrait. This is a lovely way of remembering precious times with your pet."