The Kennel Club Art Gallery in London is unveiling two new exhibitions dedicated to the art of drawing, with a special focus on dogs.
The exhibitions, Drawings of Dogs and a capsule display of works by Deirdre Ashdown, will open on 9 October 2024 and run until 25 April 2025. Both exhibitions showcase a wide range of artistic styles and celebrate the enduring bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
Celebrating the Art of Drawing
The main exhibition, Drawings of Dogs, highlights the versatility of drawing as an artistic medium, displaying works from prominent dog artists like Marjorie Cox, Barbara Robinson Tester, Gary Stinton, Julie Brenan, and Gifford Ambler. Many of these pieces are being exhibited for the first time, offering visitors a fresh perspective on this beloved subject.
The exhibition will feature a diverse array of artistic styles, including delicate pencil work, pastel drawings, and intricate line work. A special highlight includes 19th-century charcoal and chalk drawings inspired by Sir Edwin Landseer’s famous painting A Distinguished Member of The Humane Society, which depicts a Newfoundland dog. The original painting is currently on loan to The Kennel Club from Tate.
Historic Sketchbooks on Display
A significant attraction of the exhibition will be the public debut of original sketchbooks by George Earl, a 19th-century animal artist known for his detailed paintings of sporting dogs. These sketchbooks, recently donated to The Kennel Club by Earl’s Australian descendants, provide a rare insight into the creative process of one of the era’s most esteemed dog artists.
Ciara Farrell, Head of Culture and Heritage at The Kennel Club, emphasised the importance of these exhibitions, stating: “This new exhibition is a real celebration of our four-legged friends and the many beautiful drawings of dogs that are held in the Art Collection. We are excited that many of these pieces will be exhibited to the public for the very first time.”
Farrell also highlighted how drawing, once viewed as merely a preparatory technique, is now regarded as a respected medium in its own right. Visitors can expect to see a range of works from both contemporary and classic artists, capturing champion dogs and everyday pets alike.
Deirdre Ashdown Exhibition
Running alongside Drawings of Dogs is a special exhibition dedicated to contemporary artist Deirdre Ashdown. The Kennel Club has built a notable collection of Ashdown’s works, known for her intricate pen and ink drawings of dogs. This display will showcase a variety of breeds, featuring works from throughout Ashdown’s career. Her commemorative pieces for the UK Toy Dog Society will also be on show, highlighting her contribution to the world of dog art.
Free Admission, Booking Required
Both exhibitions are free to the public, but advance booking is required. The Kennel Club Art Gallery, located at 10 Clarges Street in Mayfair, is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. To book a visit, contact the gallery by emailing artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk or calling 020 7518 1064.
For more information about The Kennel Club Art Gallery and its collections, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/gallery or follow their Instagram at instagram.com/thekennelclubukcollections.
