From 1933-38 Scottish-born sculptor William Dick was President of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and also became a member of the Royal Academy, being knighted by King George V. in 1935. From 1938 he was the King’s Sculptor in Ordinary for Scotland and from 1952 the Queen’s Sculptor. He first learned stonemasonry and then studied in Glasgow at the School of Art. From 1908 he lived in London. Reid was especially known for his portrait and animal sculptures, and busts of prominent people, but he also created numerous large figures and monuments on public commission. Perhaps his most important work was the tomb of King George V in Westminster. His archives are held by Tate Gallery, London. He was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Two Greyhounds, originally probably Greyhound Trophy, was commissioned by the Daily Mirror newspaper. The bronze group typically exists in the 27 x 33 cm format, but there is also a version that is only about half the size. Dick was appointed chairman of the jury for sculpture of the 1948 art competitions.