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.
One 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.
’Why Look at Animals’ can be seen until March 2018.
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EDITORS NOTES
For interviews or photos please contact Emma Lloyd Emma.lloyd@sefton.gov.uk / 0151 934 2129
LISTING INFORMATION
‘Why Look at Animals’
Until March 2018
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sundays 11am-3pm (School holidays only)
About The Atkinson
The Atkinson is Southport’s beautiful home for music, theatre, art, poetry, literature and history, right in the middle of Lord Street in Southport. The stunning 19th century buildings were refurbished in 2013 to create a really welcoming family friendly multi art-form venue with a strong contemporary feel.
The Atkinson offers an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer. Wander through the major exhibitions and see performances from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies, films, family activities and much more.
Find out about Sefton’s heritage with amazing tales of the sea, Red Rum, Dan Dare and Motor racing in the Museum and then ‘Discover Ancient Egypt’ in our Egyptology Gallery, this remarkable collection of archaeology was discovered by Mrs Goodison from Bootle and until 2015 had not been seen for over 40 years.
Our lovely gift shop is well worth a visit, with its handmade in Merseyside jewellery and crafts collection and Southport memorabilia and then relax and take in your day in our Bakery with a scrumptious café and coffee.
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