THERE are more than 8.9M pet dogs in Britain according to a survey by animal charity the PDSA.

Their popularity has been on the rise since Victorian times when Queen Victoria embraced the fashion for having pets painted. At the time of her death she had 70 pet portraits of her dogs.

William Henry Hamilton Trood (1848-1899) was an accomplished animal artist, specialising particularly in the study of dogs.

An example of his work - “Terrier By A Stable Wall” will feature in Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s forthcoming antiques sale on Thursday, April 4. It is guided at £300-£400.

At one time William Henry Hamilton Trood kept a menagerie in the back garden of his Chelsea studio until the neighbours complained of noise. He exhibited regularly in England, mainly at the Royal Academy from 1879-1898).

The sale is on view on Saturday, March 30, at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton, from 9am until 12.30pm.

One of the likely highlights is a gentleman’s Longines, World War II stainless steel round wristwatch. It is guided at £1,500-£2,000.

Somerset County Gazette:

An exceptionally fine Victorian Tunbridge ware workbox (above) with fitted interior is another eye-catcher in the monthly sale.

In addition, there is a special section dedicated to sporting items which has been put together by specialist Stuart Triggol.

There is a good overall mix to this section of the sale, which boasts more than 200 specially selected lots including some nice examples of leather luggage.

Among the highlights are a group of silver menu holders by Birmingham maker Finnigans. Dating from 1936 they depict mounted huntsmen, horses and riders galloping rails and two of hounds. These are guided at £200-£250.

This section includes a range of sporting art in print, oil and watercolour. The full range of field sports and team sports will be represented.

There are further opportunities to view the sale on Tuesday, April 2, and Wednesday, April 3, from 9am-5pm.

For more information please contact the saleroom on 01823 332525.