Today, at antique centers such as Portobello Market in London or Clignancourt outside of Paris, dealers and collectors clamor for what once were discards after a “house clearance.” Family photos were often left over after a person died and his possessions were parceled out. Forty years ago, Libby Hall, a dog lover, noticed quite a bit a few of these forgotten memories boasted people with their beloved pets, and decided to seek them out, often salvaging them from garbage bins. These saved snapshots have taken on greater significance and value in the years since, and give us a better insight of the enduring relationship between people and their animals. The dogs in these photos were members of Victorian and Edwardian era families – Hall says that most can be dated ti between 1890 and 1915. Some seek shade under frilly parasols and others give unconditional understanding to young soldiers getting ready to go off to World War I. Although when we think of Victorian England, we picture high society and high style, Hall says, “A lot of the dogs in the photos I found looked like mutts. At that time breeds were more like types.”
In other words, what were breeds of that day would be in 21st century mutts. Hall offers a snapshot of John Brown with Queen Victoria’s favorite dogs – not pedigreed – as evidence. Certain breeds of dogs prevail throughout Hall’s collection of photographs. She explains, “Many English families chose terriers, in deference to their royals, King Edward the VIIIth was very fond of his mongrel terrier. At the King’s death, the dog followed his funeral procession. As was customary, the king’s horse wen first, carrying his boots backwards, and then a servant wearing a kilt followed with the King’s terrier. Apparently, the Edwardians went mad with sentimentality and the terrier quickly became fashionable and “very English” dog of choice. “I think what these photos demonstrate is that the relationship between man and dog hasn’t changed – from the moment people have been able to keep dogs and they were not merely for work. The essence of the relationship remains the same. We who have dogs know the significance.”
More of Hall’s collection can be found in her book Prince and Other Dogs II by Libby Hall, available at a bookstore near you.
By J.C. Grey
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