A dog’s life: Exhibition coming to Kirkleatham Museum
The exhibition, called ‘A Dog’s Life’, will be held at Kirkleatham Museum near Redcar from Saturday, March 8.
It will feature a variety of artworks from artists, designers, illustrators, sculptors, and photographers from across the globe.Councillor Carrie Richardson with two of her dogs at Kirkleatham Museum (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Visitors will have the chance to engage with interactive displays, including a digital feature that allows them to see themselves as a dog.
There will also be an area where they can showcase their own photos and drawings of their pets.
The exhibition aims to explore the strong bond between humans and dogs.Norah the cockapoo being sketched at the musem (Image: Stuart Boulton)
It comes as Redcar and Cleveland continue to establish themselves as ‘one of the most dog-friendly areas in the country’, with the number of dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and venues more than doubling in the past two years.
Councillor Carrie Richardson, cabinet member for climate and culture, said: “This is an exciting exhibition which shows how Kirkleatham Museum is an important venue capable of attracting internationally renowned artists.
“There’s a really fun side with plenty of interactive ways to get involved.
“But there’s a serious point to it too.
“Dogs have been a wonderful part of human existence for thousands of years.
“Our relationship is explored in this fascinating exhibition by truly wonderful artists.
“I’m proud that Redcar and Cleveland is becoming so well-known as welcoming to dog owners and their pets.”
Dogs will be allowed into the exhibition space on Wednesdays and Saturdays, although not in the rest of the museum.
They are always welcome on leads in the museum grounds, and the museum café, The Café at Kirkleatham, is dog-friendly.
The exhibition will feature works from several internationally renowned artists.
Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso, known for his imaginative scenes featuring his bulldog Jimmy Choo, will be showcasing nine of his images.
French artist and photographer Sophie Gamand, who creates flower crowns for rescue dogs and photographs them, will also be displaying her work.
Sophie Ryder will be showing a bronze sculpture entitled ‘Dancing Dogs’, along with a portrait of one of her dogs.
London-based artist Martha Todd has created four ceramic sculptures exploring the trend of dressing dogs in clothes.
Shauna Richardson has created a life-sized hound using a process she developed called Crochetdermy.
Gerrard Gethings will be exhibiting 16 pairs of photographs showing dogs and their human lookalikes.
Mychael Barratt will be displaying three prints from his ‘Artists’ Dogs’ project, which involves inserting a dog into a well-known artwork using the same technique and approach as the original artist.
The lottery-backed touring exhibition has been developed by 20-21 Visual Arts Centre with support from North Lincolnshire Council and Arts Council England.
‘A Dog’s Life’ will be on display at Kirkleatham from Saturday, March 8, until Monday, June 29.
The museum is closed on Mondays.
For more information, visit the Enjoy Redcar and Cleveland website, call 01642 444600, or email enjoy@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk.
A list of specially designated areas for dogs, including cafes, hotels, and restaurants in Redcar and Cleveland, can be found on the Enjoy Redcar and Cleveland website.