Queen Victoria Appears at The Atkinson

THE Atkinson's new exhibition:- 'Why Look at Animals' has received the stamp of royal approval!  'Why Look at Animals' examines how our relationship with animals has changed  and features a wide range of animal paintings and sculptures by leading British artists from the last 200 years.  1 of the stand out highlights is a group of watercolours and prints from Her Majesty the Queen's collection at Windsor Castle. Stephen Whittle, The Atkinson's Museum and Gallery Manager made the trip to the castle to select the work and to view the Royal Collection. The rarely seen paintings include watercolours by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, both taught to paint by Sir Edwin Landseer, whose drawings they often copied and who also has several paintings and drawings in the exhibition.

Queen Victoria played a leading role in what became a national craze for keeping animals, particularly dogs, as domestic pets. Among the artwork on display are pictures of Eos, Prince Albert's favourite dog, a beautiful greyhound bitch whom was adored. Eos was accidentally shot and badly injured by the Queen's uncle Ferdinand. The Queen was so furious that another of her uncles, King Leopold of the Belgians was reported as saying:- "It would have been better if Ferdinand had shot another member of the royal family."

Paintings from The Atkinson's own remarkable collection include work by the leading cat painter of the Victorian age Henrietta Ronner and an outstanding equestrian painting by Sir Alfred Munnings. The exhibition also includes several contemporary pieces from the Arts Council. Have a look at the artwork on loan to The Atkinson visit the Royal Collection Trust website and search for The Atkinson. 'Why Look at Animals' can be seen until March 2018.