A newly restored painting by Sir Edwin Landseer, unseen in the UK for 50 years, will form part of Pets & Prizewinners, a display of Victorian and Edwardian canine art at the Kennel Club Art Gallery in London from 6^th July.

The free exhibition showcases the progression of canine art in the late 19th and into the 20^th century. It also includes works by notable Victorian animal artists George Earl, who was one of the earliest members of the Kennel Club, Wright Barker, John Emms, Thomas Blinks, Lilian Cheviot and Richard Ansdell.

Landseer’s work, 'A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society', on loan from the Tate Gallery (photo credit © Tate, London, 2009) showcases one of his most famous dog subjects, a black and white Newfoundland, a variety of the breed named after the artist himself. Landseer is widely regarded as Queen Victoria’s favourite artist, although his appeal crossed class boundaries as his engravings were also found in many middle-class homes.

The exhibition covers a key period for breed development in the Victorian era, where many were formally described for the first time, as well as seeing the formation of the Kennel Club itself in 1873, whose headquarters on Clarges Street in Piccadilly are to host the event. The exhibition also depicts accurate representations of champion specimens of various breeds from the Victorian era, with examples from Maud Earl and Arthur Wardle.

Caroline Kisko, Communications Director at the Kennel Club, commented: “This exhibition is a unique and must-see display for any dog or art enthusiast. It’s a real coup to have a restored Landseer work that has been unseen in the UK for so long in our gallery, as well as such a host of other fantastic works available for all to see for free. We hope to welcome many visitors over Pets & Prizewinners’ six month tenure.”

‘Pets & Prizewinners: An exhibition depicting the development of Victorian & Edwardian canine art’ opens on 6^th July and runs until 29^th January 2010. The Kennel Club Art Gallery is situated at 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB and is open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm by appointment.  To book an appointment or for further information please call 020 7518 1064 or e-mail artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk

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