Lady Londonderry’s Dog 

James Ward made this graphite drawing of Lady Londonderry’s dog. Here, the artist captures the playful energy of a pampered pet, reflecting a shift in social attitudes toward animals in 19th-century Britain. Ward’s sketch isn't just a portrait; it’s a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy, for whom pet ownership was a display of wealth and status. During this period, there was a growing interest in natural history. A proliferation of pet-keeping was encouraged by the increasingly sentimental attitudes toward domestic life. Animal welfare became a topic of public debate, leading to the establishment of organizations like the RSPCA. This drawing invites us to consider the changing relationship between humans and animals, but also prompts a deeper look at the social hierarchies. By exploring archival material, we can understand the complex interplay between social class, cultural values, and the way we perceive and represent the natural world.