Exhibition: Promoting the Pedigree through Photography: Thomas Fall / London, from 12 September 2018

[Michael Pritchard]

The first exhibition dedicated to leading dog photographer Thomas Fall opens at the Kennel Club Art Gallery on 12 September. The collection, which is the largest historical dog photography archive in the world, will be on display for dog lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

The exhibition, ‘Promoting the Pedigree through Photography: Thomas Fall’, runs from 12 September 2018 to 29 March 2019 in partnership with the Mary Evans Picture Library. It will chart the visual progression of British pedigree dogs through the Thomas Fall rare photographic records. The exhibition will include two personal photographic items (circa 1890) by Thomas Fall loaned by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection.  

Thomas Fall is a name which was and still is synonymous with the highest quality pedigree and champion dog photographs for over a century and comprises important dog photographs from 1875 through to 1990. He was a member of the Royal Photographic Society and exhibition showcases photographic works and archive collectables from all four ‘Thomas Falls’: the original Thomas Fall (b1833-1900) and those who bought and continued the collection after him: Edward Hitchings Parker, Barbara Burrows and Mary Evans Picture Library.

Amongst the rare items on display from the collection will be trademark stamps and handwritten photographic notes relating to commercial products and books, antique cameras, photographs and contextual information regarding the Thomas Fall business enterprise are featured.

The displays are accompanied by a comprehensive exhibition catalogue (available for purchase), which includes further images and information on the history and progression of the Thomas Fall business over the last century. 

The Kennel Club Art Gallery, based in Mayfair, is open to all and free to visit by appointment. Visiting hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. To book an appointment please contact the Kennel Club Art Gallery on 020 7518 1064 or email [e-mail]

Images: © Thomas Fall / Mary Evans Picture Library