Robert Colling
COLLING, CHARLES (1751–1836), inducted in 1903
COLLING, ROBERT (1749–1820), inducted in 1903
Artist of both paintings: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876–1936); originally, a double portrait by James R. Stuart
A double portrait showing Charles and Robert Colling side by side was one of the first works painted by James Stuart, when the Saddle & Sirloin collection was founded in 1903. When repainted after the 1934 fire, the brothers’ portraits were framed as separate works. Charles and Robert Colling, of the County Durham in Northern England, are considered the founders of the Shorthorn breed. The Colling brothers learned line breeding from Robert Bakewell and applied these techniques to four cows purchased by Charles in 1783 and to Robert’s bull Hubback. In 1810, the bull Comet—a result of these bloodlines—became the first bull to sell for 1,000 guineas. Adding to the Colling brothers’ legend was a bull named Favourite which sired a steer that became known as the Durham Ox. This massive and impressive castrated bull was purchased by John Day, a traveling showman who had a custom carriage built to tour the animal throughout England and Scotland. Appearing at fairs and other events over a period of several years, the Durham Ox helped establish the standards to define the Shorthorn breed and brought renown to the Colling brothers. Engravings of the animal were popular prints at the time, and one hung in the Saddle & Sirloin Club in Chicago, as did a portrait of his promoter John Day (who is also represented in this portrait collection).
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 68