A wonderful animal painting of two show dogs by Valentine Thomas Garland. A small black and tan dog is depicted in the centre of the painting wearing a white ruffle collar with a bell. Behind the seated dog to the right, a small tan Chihuahua is shown resting in the head of a marching band drum. To the left, a puppet can be seen hanging out of a dressing trunk, whilst a scabbard and pipe lie next to some playing cards on the floor. Further research has revealed that the painting may have originally been titled ‘Two of a Company Waiting an Audience’ which was exhibited at the Albert Hall Exhibition in 1883.

Valentine Thomas Garland or Thomas Valentine Garland was born in Basingstoke in 1845 the son of the artist William Garland (1817-1882) and his wife Mary. He was named William Thomas at birth but went by the name of Thomas or Tom from an early age. By 1861, the family had moved to Winchester living at 27 Eastgate Street, later living at City Road in nearby Weeke. He was initially taught art by his father whose influence can be seen in his style and subject matter. In 1871 he entered the Royal Academy School where he completed his artistic training.

Garland made his debut at the Royal Academy in 1868, continuing to exhibit there until 1903. He also exhibited at the Suffolk Street Galleries and at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. He specialised in paintings of animals; however became best known for his appealing portraits of dogs, such as this fine example. He continued residing in Weeke where he set up a studio in North Walls. From 1873, he adopted the name of Valentine to sign his work, perhaps to distinguish himself from his father; initially using T Valentine Garland and later Valentine T Garland. By 1891, he had established himself as an artist, officially using his adopted name and also started teaching art.

He was one of the founders of the Winchester Art Society of which he was a member and was also on the hanging committee for the society. He also became a member of the Dudley Gallery in Piccadilly where he also exhibited. In 1898 he married Katherine Jane Shalders at Southampton, remaining in Weeke with his wife until 1902 when they moved to Rose Cottage in Kings Worthy. He died at his home in Kings Worthy on 29 October, 1914 and was buried at Kings Worthy cemetery.

His paintings have remained highly popular amongst collectors and a number of his works are held in public collections including the Usher Gallery and the Hampshire Cultural Trust Headquarters in Winchester.

© Benton Fine Art