Comments on: So Long, John Dolan

By: David Stevenson

David Stevenson — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 08:27:08 +0000

I bumped into (not literally!) George in the car park at Mill Hill, near Shoreham. The man with him, who I now know from reading this thread as Robin, said he was 18 1/2 years old, which is amazing. He seemed calm and happy, although had a bit of trouble staying on his feet. As a result I bought and read the book (John and George, the dog who changed my life), and it was a bit of an eye opener for those of us who have led relatively cushy lives.

By: Wilber

Wilber — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:49:51 +0000

I met John in Shoreditch in 2011, I was blown away by his art and was lucky enough to purchase two pieces from him. Having been homeless myself, and moved numerous times since; I lost the art, but recently, after all these years I found them again! One with George, and one is a depiction of London just before the Olympics. They are such special pieces, and I wonder what I shall do with them? Thinking of selling and donating a percentage to charities that John would have approved of. Does anyone have any ideas? Best wishes. Rest in piece, John

By: Eve

Eve — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:39:54 +0000

George is now blind but lives happily with Robin in Shoreham-by-Sea. Robin has a shared plot on an allotment and takes George with him.

By: Spence

Spence — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:09:29 +0000

I’ve known John (or should I say knew as it’s still sinking in) for 25 years and I’m utterly devastated by this news. I lost contact with John around 2006 and we spent many nights together when I tried to help him get straightened up and a place to sleep with food and a warm shower. He was a remarkable and unmistakeable character and I’m surprised by the comments about his education as I never witnessed anything other than genius but it was evident from when I knew him early on that his sight may have been impaired by dyslexia or simple short sightedness. Unfortunately, this probably never got diagnosed in his short life or he may have found education a joy rather than a block hindrance of he struggled to read.

We once slept head to foot as I wouldn’t let him out of my sight while I tried hard to reform him and often got a smelly sock in the face for my efforts. When I learned of his artistic talents I felt assured his life would take a turn and he would finally be free of his past and regain his youth through his artwork and enjoy the money his artwork had earned him. John spent a considerable amount of time living in Stepney in a sheltered flat close to Cable Street and Lukin Street and even then he had an artistic flair but sadly not realised until much later on. He had also been a regular at the Whitechapel mission, Spittlefields crypt as well as Wentworth Street homeless centre where I would find him mingling with other people struggling to make ends meet.

I can only say this of John Dolan; he was a product of his environment and someone with unrealised talent, humour and a sense longing for a simple life. He was undoubtedly a street person and enjoyed the freedom that the streets offered. No bills to speak of, no rent to pay and not waking up each day with a fixed agenda. This is reflected in his artwork as it lacks colour, shading and empathy. His artwork is instead honest, simplistic but minimalist but captures a moment in time to be enjoyed by others from their homes. R.I.P John as I can’t pretend to be a perfect friend as John seemed to have ambitions beyond what I could offer but what friendship we had….. I will cherish for the rest of my life. I just wish I had a chance to say goodbye.

By: Georgina Briody

Georgina Briody — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:26:16 +0000

A sad but interesting story about John. George was his loyal companion, I do hope he found a loving home.

By: the gentle author

the gentle author — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 19:23:54 +0000

In reply to Lara. John died a year ago, so I think George will have a new home by now

By: Lara

Lara — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:37:45 +0000

Please can you let me know where George is as I am very interested in adopting him. He is so beautiful.

By: Teresa O Clark

Teresa O Clark — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:14:18 +0000

Hopefully someone will update us on George if and when he finds a new home.
He deserves a loving friend.

Teresa Clark
(unfortunately living in US)

By: Lorraine Whebell

Lorraine Whebell — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:38:50 +0000

Interesting read this morning..sad he passed at a young age..but happy he found his calling eventually…Hope George finds a lovely new home ?

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 09:05:54 +0000

George deserves a home and yes, fifty is much too young to die.