Stanley Todd, one of Britain's finest wildlife artists, whose most famous grouse painting is known internationally on the whisky bottle brand label of that name, was captivated at the age of 14 by the work of Archibald Thorburn. A Northumbrian by birth and schooled for a career in the family business of shipping, he had early displayed considerable artistic talent. By the time he was a young man art had become an all-consuming passion and after a brief period in the world of shipping he began, in 1956, his career as a professional artist. The Hon. Aylmer Tryon with his unfailing ability to detect the talented encouraged him greatly. His first major exhibition in Perth in 1972 was a huge success and amongst the many commissions he obtained in due course was that of promotional illustration for Famous Grouse Whisky