The Kennel Club has lent a number of significant items from its Art Collections to support a new exhibition, due to open tomorrow, which explores the enduring bond between man and dog. The Dog: A Celebration at Chatsworth, inspired by the Duchess of Devonshire’s love for her four-legged friends, runs from 23 March to 6 October 2019 at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.
The exhibition contains many important items from the personal archives of the Dukes of Devonshire, the Cavendish family, together with significant loans from national and international institutions, including those on loan from the Kennel Club.
Those familiar with the Kennel Club Art Collections will recognise favourites such as An Early Canine Meeting by R Marshall 1855, one of the earliest visual depictions of a dog show, and four framed porcelain plaques that contain portraits of Queen Victoria’s dogs. Other items on loan include a painting of King Edward VII’s dog Caesar, by George Earl (1824-1908) together with Caesar’s silver dog tag engraved with the words ‘Caesar, I belong to the King’, a large leather dog collar with a silver buckle engraved with the date 1729 and a selection of political prints from the last 300 years.
Marianne Walker, Art Collection Curator at the Kennel Club, said: “The Kennel Club is delighted to be supporting this important and exciting new exhibition at Chatsworth, which celebrates our much loved four-legged friends. It’s a must see for any canine enthusiast, historian or dog owner and we’d recommend anyone who is interested the history of man’s best friend to visit.”
The Duchess of Devonshire, who has played a leading role in creating the exhibition, said: “I have lived with and loved dogs for as long as I can remember. When I look out into the park or walk my own dogs Max and Treacle, I am always conscious of the pleasure that so many people get from walking their dogs. I hope this exhibition gives people an opportunity to share in our love of dogs and add their own stories to this enduring relationship.”
As part of the exhibition, Kennel Club Library and Collections Manager, Ciara Farrell, will be giving a talk about the historical development of dogs as workers and companions at Chatsworth House on the 27th June. Tickets are available in advance at www.chatsworth.org/events/kennel-club-talk-and-tour
Further details and tickets for the exhibition can be found at www.chatsworth.org/events/the-dog/