..Homepage | The Collection | The Artist | Contact | Links | Further Reading           The Artist's Spaniel in a yard Water-colour 3.75 x 4.75 inches | Cat: 00010             One of Thomas Churchyard’s favourite amusements, other than painting, was shooting. From a young age he kept a gun dog and regularly enjoyed this sport with his friends and clients. Provenance: From an album assembled by Thomas Churchyard in the 1850’s. He selected paintings and drawings for each of his children, to be given to them before his death thus avoiding becoming a part of his estate. As each recipient died, the albums passed to the surviving children, accounting for the succession of names inscribed on the inner cover of the albums. This album was made for Anna, then on her death in 1897 it passed to Harriet. On her death in 1927, the last of Thomas’ daughters, the remaining body of his work in her possession was put up for sale in Woodbridge by Charlie Churchyard. The album which had contained this painting was purchased by the Gray Family of Linby, Nottinghamshire. It was kept intact until 1996, when it was sold, and the album split ready for the bi-centenary celebrations in 1998.     .   ..