TOP : Top : Dog Collar , British , late 19th century , white metal , 10 x 1 / 2 inches , inscribed FAN / Mrs . Hunter / KILBURNE HALL second from top : Dog Collar , late 19th century , white metal , 13¼ x 1 / 2 inches , inscribed Thomas / FooR [?] second from bottom : Dog Collar , late 19th century , white metal , 10⅝ x 1 / 2 inches , indistinctly inscribed on clasp bottom : Dog Collar , late 19th century , white metal , 12½ x 1 inches
ABOVE : Top : Dog Collar , American , late 19th / early 20th century , leather , metal , and turquoise , 5¾ x 1⅝ inches center : Dog Collar , English , late 19th / early 20th century , leather and brass , 5½ x 8 x 1⅝ inches bottom : Dog Collar , American , late 19th / early 20th century , metal and red leather , 5½ x 8 x 2⅛ inches , inscribed J . P . MILLARD / E . PROVIDENCE / LIC . 708 / R . I .
National Sporting Library & Museum , Gift of Dr . & Mrs . Timothy J . Greenan , 2014 out as a utilitarian object to establish , maintain , and strengthen our bonds ,” said Pfeiffer . The journey begins with hunting scenes and spiked collars and travels to champion show dogs . Pfeiffer said , “ Ultimately , the once fierce hunters becoming cherished companions with a multitude of bespoke and jewelry-like collar designs .”
The roles of dogs in our lives have evolved into a multitude of jobs , from hunting , herding , guarding , sporting pursuits , and as companions . Their sizes , shapes , and characteristics , too , have transmogrified into 359 recognized breeds , all with their own specific talents and skills . The collars for each breed can be as unique as the dog itself . The exhibit beautifully maps this progression .
Lori Curtis , Curator of the Elisabeth Ireland Poe Gallery said , “ Claudia has done an exceptional job of pairing paintings from American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog works with the National Sporting Library ’ s collection of dog collars . Each collection serves to illustrate the history of dogs , the roles they played as hunters and protectors , their beauty and abilities .”
The collars in the exhibit were generously donated to the NSLM by Dr . Timothy J . Greenan in 2014 . The collection consists of 60 examples spanning five centuries and was the catalyst for this unique exhibit . Greenan has been traveling the globe for 20 years on missions to add to his collection . It all began with a dog collar in the well-known periodical , Maine Antique Digest . “ I was immediately intrigued and had to buy it ,” he said . “ I have traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic to buy a dog collar .” He hopes patrons of the exhibit enjoy the story that it tells .
Many people were instrumental in bringing the vision for this exhibit to fruition , including Alan Fausel , who is Adjunct Curator and former Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog , the staff of the NSLM , and the Trustees of the Pebble Hill Foundation .
Prior to coming to Pebble Hill Plantation , the exhibition was enjoyed by art and dog lovers at the NSLM and the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog . Pebble Hill is the last venue for the exhibition which will be open to the public for viewing November 3 , 2023 through May 11 , 2024 . Visit pebblehill . com for more information .
Thomasville Scene | Fall 2023 13