The Crufts exhibition offers a unique insight into what has become the greatest dog show in the world. Fine art paintings featuring a selection of Best in Show winners and entries grace the walls, and include renowned artists such as Arthur Wardle.

Extensive displays of Crufts cartoons recording the highs and lows of dog showing bring a smile to visitor’s faces, the largest collection of its type in the world. Prize trophies, which until now have not been on public view, are displayed in their full splendour. For those wishing to carry out more serious research, the Kennel Club Library, who are supporting the event, are displaying an entire run of marked Crufts catalogues dating back to the first Crufts show held in 1886.

The Gallery allows visitors to explore more of the Kennel Club’s extensive art collection via touch screen laptops, which includes an electronic collection recording the heritage of Crufts through historical photographs, provided by the Kennel Club Picture Library. A special collection of images paying homage to Crufts Royal visitors make a visit to the exhibition the perfect accompaniment to a day exploring the history of London and its Royal connections.

The Gallery will be extending its normal opening hours over the Crufts weekend (6th-7th March 2004). This will allow visitors unable to attend the event to view the collection and experience highlights of the show, past and present in the splendour of the Kennel Club. This is much more than an exhibition on dog showing but a celebration of an event that has become an important part of Great Britain’s social calendar.