Searching for information about ‘The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News’
I came across the web-site of a book breaker who specialised in original etchings from late 19th century publications. Much as I arbour this type of dealer who could avoid being drawn to a series of
illustrations of exhibits at various
major canine events from the
late 1880s. Breaking a long-
standing decision to avoid this
particular kind of vandalism I
purchased three full page
illustrations, all of which included
prominent Collies of the day, and
admit I was not disappointed with
my purchases, for being actual
pages from the ‘Illustrated London
News’ rather than facsimiles, they
are printed on the reverse side
and in the case of two of these
pages the reverse side includes
a report of the show depicted.

Above right — Louis Wain’s rather
whimsical illustration of exhibits at
The Kennel Club’s 28th Exhibition
of Sporting and Other Dogs –
18-21 January 1887 includes
illustrations of Eclipse winner of the
Dog Challenge class and a group of
three from Mr S. Boddington’s Metchley Kennel which undoubtedly includes Metchley Wonder who won his Puppy Class.

far right— Mr A.C. Ashwin’s Watch as depicted by Harrison Weir in his illustration of winners at the Birmingham Dog Show Society’s 18th National Dog Show – 3-6 December 1877

right— Another Harrison Weir
illustration this time of Dublin Scott who
won the Dog Challenge Class at The
Kennel Club’s 27th Exhibition of Sporting
and Other Dogs – 29 June-2 July 1886

These pages have now been scanned for inclusion in
the Rough Collie National Archive collection, and I am investigating
ways of reproducing facsimiles of both the illustrations and accompanying show reports with a view to raising additional funds for this venture.

You can see a full size facsimile reproduction of Louis Wain’s illustration of exhibits at the KC’s 1887 Show in Adobe pdf format
by clicking on the image.