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"After months of behind the scenes work, the Toy Spaniels Art Exhibition opened at the Kennel Club’s Art Gallery on 14^th July. However, the official opening took place two days later on Wednesday 16^th July. The gallery was packed with invited guests and waiters bringing around champagne and nibbles. The Kennel Clubs’ Chairman, Professor Steve Dean formally declared the exhibition open and a short speech followed from Valerie Foss and then myself. The Kennel Club’s previous chairman Ronnie Irvine was also present as he has played a big part in promoting art exhibitions here in the past.

Dr Andreas Schemel was first given the task of organising this exhibition and when he approached Tina and myself to join him in this project we jumped at the chance to combine two of our great loves, art and Cavaliers! During the first three months of this year Andreas, Tina and myself began listing lots of possible items to include in the exhibition. In April we had our first meeting at the Kennel Club to go through our lists and decide on which ones to choose. We ended up with around 250 items. Paintings and engravings were to be displayed on the walls of the gallery while sculptures, figurines and ornaments would be displayed in glass cabinets. Small items such as jewellery would be displayed under glass in pull out drawers.

From the outset our aim was to have great diversity in the exhibition. We wanted to show Toy Spaniels depicted in art in many varying styles. Some paintings in the exhibition are over 200 years old but we also have a few that were commissioned just this year. We have oils, watercolour, pastels and engravings. We also have two recent works by the Czech artist and Cavalier owner Libor Kral who produces his work on a computer. Some may question whether this is true art, but there is great skill, imagination and creativity in Libor’s work which ranks him as an artist in much the same way as you would rank a watercolour artist.

As well as all the exhibits in the art gallery there also are a few small items displayed in the adjoining library. These include the first ever challenge certificate won by a Cavalier, Ch Daywell Roger, awarded in 1946. There are also a number of very interesting old photographs included a set that show some of the last toy spaniels that were kept by the Marlborough family at Blenheim Palace in the 1920s. In numerous Cavalier books there are reproductions of paintings that show previous Dukes of Marlborough in elegant surroundings with their spaniels, but here at the exhibition we have a photograph of the 9^th Duke relaxing most informally in his lounge with his spaniels at his feet.

Probably our most treasured loan to the exhibition is a small watercolour head study of a tricolour which we do believe is Queen Victoria’s Dash, and this painting has been loaned to the exhibition by The Royal Collection. In other words it is owned by Her Majesty The Queen! So this certainly does give esteemed approval to our exhibition.

 The exhibition runs until 9^th January 2015 and is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am until 4.30 pm. The Cavalier Club are organising several guided tours which also includes a tour around the rest of the Kennel Club building plus refreshments. However bookings for these tours are going fast so if you are interested you must check with their website at www.thecavalierclub.co.uk  However, if you wish to visit on your own you need to book in advance by either telephoning the gallery on 020 7518 1064 or emailing at artgallery@thekennelclub.org.uk For those coming from a long distance why not make it a special day trip to London. The Kennel Club building is just off Piccadilly, only a short walk from London’s theatres and all the big stores. If you’re celebrating a birthday or other special event then why not have afternoon tea at the Ritz which is just around the corner from the Kennel Club. For anyone interested in the history of Cavaliers and King Charles Spaniels a visit to this exhibition really is a must.

 One small corner of the gallery.......and below are photos of just one or two of the exhibits

LIKE A VINTAGE COGNAC

Kathy Yonkersfrom Michigan in the USA, bred 'Remy', Stuarthome Remington Steele (Holyoke Aerosmith X Stuarthome English Rosette) who reached the grand old age of 14 and half years recently. Kathy says "he may be gray around his eyes but he is still beautiful. What a sweet, sweet boy".... hear, hear Kathy

 BRAVA BRUNO

from Bruno Castro "I send the results of 124th Lisbon International Dog Show (Championship Qualifier) on 12th July 2014"

NORTHERN IRELAND'S NEXT TOP MODEL?

Following a judging session in the Botanic Gardens with Belfast Dog Wardens and the Lord Mayor,'Bailey' the Cavalier was announced Belfast's Next Top Doggie. He will become the face of the city's Dog Fouling Campaign “Your dog, Your Job” which will be advertised over the summer.

We send good wishes for a speedy recovery to Aurelien Charlet who lives with the lescavaliersdebettignies in Saint Waast, Nord Pas de Calais in France.... get well soon, Aurelien, from all of your Cavalier friends. 

 FACEBOOK, FERRARIS AND FOUR CAVALIERS

 A Texas millionaire's dogs are so pampered they've got their own $45 per hour social media consultant churning out their personal blog posts.

Auto recycling tycoon Ron Sturgeon loves his Cavaliers so much he pays for the world to see their thoughts on Facebook, Twitter and a personal blog.

Josh Davis, a Fort Worth tech entrepreneur says 'I spend anywhere from four to eight hours per week managing the dogs’ blog and various networks. Davis has used his expertise to gain a following of 23,000 for the dogs' Facebook page, called Spoiled Cavaliers. Ron has always been passionate about his dogs. He has been involved with the Cavalier Rescue for years'

 The lucky dogs may soon get even more media exposure. A show called Goin’ to the Dogs about Sturgeon, his wacky family and, of course his dogs, is currently being pitched to various TV networks.

It's one part reality show and one part competition series as Sturgeon's wife, adopted sons and canine heirs duke it out over the $75 million. For his part, Sturgeon stays mum on who will benefit from his years of sharp business dealings.

 

Ring side parties, celebrating birthdays, new Champions etc. are becoming a popular part of the UK Cavalier show scene. Personally, I think it is a most enjoyable part of the day and brings in a light, relaxed atmosphere to the proceedings. The majority of the societies have no problem with the merrymaking but whilst it is great fun, we should always make sure the festivities do not interfere in any way with the dogs being exhibited in the ring and the judges' concentration. Have fun,be considerate and the show committees will stay party-friendly! Now where is the next party?

FOR A PJ DAY....his and hers

 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - bestofbreedgifts.co.uk

Reknowned Cavalier Breeder, Margret Franzepassed away recently. She was in her 82nd year. Margaret lived in Canberra, Australia and her successful Le Chevalier Cavaliers were known across the Globe. One of the most successful Cavaliers imported into Australia by Margret was the top winning Eng and Aust Gr Ch Lorankas Dream Lover who won approx 40 All Breed BIS including a number of prestigious Royal shows and 6 Cavalier Specialty BIS. Together with his kennel mate Gr Ch Le Chevalier Veronica they were great ambassadors for the breed. RIP MARGRET

seen here at the Queensland Cavalier Club Show in 2004 with Kim Brooksby and Reserve in ShowCh Cavashon Water Colour. It was Margret's last time judging.

Margaret Easson writes  "I have lost a true friend who was there for me in good times and not so good times.  Margret had a distinctive view on life, indeed quirky. She had a delightful and at times wicked sense of humour. She did not suffer fools lightly.  She was most forthright on expounding her views, especially when it came to the Cavaliers. Margret was an icon of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel fancy. As one of the early pioneers she was passionate about this breed and she established her part of its history over the years. It was a privilege to have known Margret, a dear friend and a bright star in the Cavalier Constellation". 

 

 

 

 

Silver medallist Laura Samuel of England poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Women’s Triple Jump at Hampden Park Galsgow during day six of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on July 29, 2014. Her 14.09m leap, 34cm further than her previous personal best, and more than half a metre further than she had jumped this year. The 23-year-old from Leicester is now third on the all-time British list.  Laura is the granddaughter of proud grandmother and cavalier breeder Sue Underwood (Neddaow)and Laura was often seen in the Cavalier show ring.

Laura seen here with the winner of the Gold Medal....Jamaica's Kimberly Williams