CELEBRATING THE CORGI: GLADYS AT CASTLE ASHBY

You may have heard the sad news earlier this week that Willow, the last corgi of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away – marking the first time that the monarch has not owned a corgi since the end of the second world war. In fact, Willow was the 14th generation descended from Susan, a corgi gifted to the Queen on her 18th birthday back in 1944! Since then, the breed has become synonymous with the Royal family, and the UK in general. It got me thinking – why do we love this short-legged little breed so much?

The Kennel Club’s breed standard for corgis describes them as “giving the impression of substance and stamina in a small space” – in other words: small dog, big personality! I’d always heard that corgis were notoriously stubborn and tenacious – independent with a mind of their own, but also super-smart and friendly. Not to mention absolutely stunning! It was these traits (and also the fact that they’re quintessentially British, second only perhaps to the British Bulldog) that made the corgi the perfect choice for my new logo when I was designing The Artisan Hound. Somehow this tiny dog sums up everything I stand for as an artist – determination and spirit, vibrance and beauty.

And if that wasn’t enough, I even had the pleasure of meeting my very own miniature muse in the form of Gladys (I know, right?!). She accompanied me for a session in the beautiful, classical grounds of Castle Ashby Gardens when we shot my promo video back in February – and you can bet she lived up to expectations! Feisty, stubborn and totally independent – not to mentioned drop dead gorgeous – Gladys ran the show from the word go. And you know what? I wouldn’t have had it any other way.