There was a time when class ruled society and the aristocracy could command absolute authority over their lesser contemporaries. In the world of Duke Sebastian Farringdon, nothing has changed.

Far from embracing enhanced equality among his fellow canines, Seb upholds a stubborn, uncompromising belief in the superiority of the noble classes and a deep contempt for the average member of society, considering them an inferior species altogether.

Possessing vast wealth, a multitude of servants and a considerable quantity of land, the Duke enjoys a comfortable and highly private lifestyle. Those disrespectful or foolish enough to trespass on his property or challenge his authority are said to suffer severe punishment, while some have simply disappeared without trace, rumoured to be brutalised as slaves at the mercy of the fox's dark whims.

Indeed, as a creature of remarkable intelligence with a secret, sinister appetite for ruthless and sadistic discipline, Seb is a very dangerous person to know - and an even more dangerous person to cross.

One of three new original characters to have joined my cast in June 2011, Seb is a relatively late addition and, as such, is still largely unused within my artwork. He was created to provide a new model of authority and sophistication within my collection, offering his very own upper class brand of domination and cruelty. It was also my desire to introduce a fox to the group, particularly given my perception of such characters as possessing elements of sophistication and intelligence - as well as a degree of cunning.

Seb's design is largely reliant upon two aspects - the style and depiction of his facial expression, and his clothing. As I am by no means an expert on costume, I created him with an outfit which I felt both suited him as well as expressing his rank and wealth, albeit drawing some level of subconscious influence from the likes of Walt Disney's Beast and Don Karnage. It is entirely possible that this may change over time, such was my original intention, but I would consider this his signature look.