Treasure 74: Kelly's Cats

One of this month's treasures showcases some of the most famous felines in the Silver City. Cast-iron and proud in their stance, despite their small stature, the cats silently stand watch over the citizens of Aberdeen as they sit atop the parapet of Union Bridge. These silent sentinels are known as 'Kelly's Cats', named after noted Aberdeen architect William Kelly (1861-1944).

Although some cats remain at their post on Union Bridge, others were removed in the 1960s when shops were added to one side of the bridge (where the Trinity Centre stands). Today, some of the cats can be found in Duthie Park and three were gifted to Aberdeen City Libraries where they have spent many years watching over the staff of the Central Library.

September 2016 saw the launch of The Cat Parade in Aberdeen, a civic art project centred around the Union Bridge cats.

Up to 100 concrete replicas of 'Kelly's Cats' were decorated by sponsoring organisations, and exhibited in the window of Waterstones throughout the month. At Aberdeen City Libraries, we sponsored our very own cat - decorated by three of our talented members of staff, Meghan, Sarah, and Rhys.

The design of the cat was inspired by the history of Aberdeen Central Library ahead of its 125th Anniversary in July 2017 and was named Valentine after one of our most influential past employees, Miss Emma Valentine, who became the first female Assistant in Charge of the Reference Department between 1892 and 1915.