Goodwood set to host new event with focus on all things canine
Can you spot the dog facing the wrong way in this painting?
As Goodwood near Chichester counts down to its spectacular event Goodwoof, an exhibition of all things canine called DOG by Holly Frean is running at the Kennels, until May 29.
Holly is known for her quirky, humorous take on the subjects she paints, whether it is wellknown figures from art history, zoological animals or, as in this exhibition, more specifically dogs.
One of the key pictures in the exhibition is Assembly – which measures a mighty 304cm x 183cm – but this terrific painting holds a riddle. Can you study it hard enough to solve the puzzle?
One of the dogs is facing the other way (the solution, if you cannot see it, is at the end of this article).
This exhibition will also coincide with Goodwoof, presented by Mars Petcare, an exciting new event in the Goodwood calendar which takes place at The Ken nelson 28-29 May 2022.
Holly has collaborated with brands as diverse as Paul Smith, Burberry and Anthropologie.
Holly’s exhibition DOG comprises a collection of new paintings, each one a group of dog portraits, with a focus on the breeds associated with the Goodwood estate and the ancestral portraits within.
Holly said :“This is a collection of paintings in praise of dogs, with a focus on the breeds associated with the Goodwood estate and the ancestral portraits within: pekingese, spaniels, foxhounds.”
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon said of DOG: “We are delighted to welcome Holly F re an to The Kennels over Goodwoof. Holly has an exceptional vision, with her work drawing on the wit and humour that depict our four legged friends so beautifully, she is perfectly placed to create this brilliant show and help launch the inaugural Goodwoof event this year.”
The highlight of the exhibition is two large oil-oncanvas diptychs, one of which is Assembly, showing a mixture of breeds, and the second is Dotty, a large group of dalmatians .
These are joined by six framed groups, each encompassing 49 individually painted canvases: English Sheepdog, Dalmatian, Labrador, Poodle, Hound and Lurcher. Two further paintings include Glorious, celebrating the 2nd Duke’s famous pack of 23 hunting dogs from 1738, a grid of 24 portraits on individual A6-sized sheets of handmade cotton rag paper (with the 24th sheet being the fox); and A Pack of Spaniels which will show 54 painted spaniels on individual A7-sized sheets of handmade cotton rag paper. Pack celebrates the highlighted breed of the year for the inaugural ‘Goodwoof ’ event, spaniels, being most closely associated with the March family at the Goodwood Estate. A fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition. All the paintings will be for sale.
The Kennels is a membersonly club and people wishing to visit the exhibition, who are not members, should contact
Zimmer Stewart Gallery, who will arrange entry. http://www. zimmerstewart.co.uk