A host of Cumbria’s most adorable pets and their child owners will be the focus of an unusual exhibition later this summer.
Pictures taken by leading Lake District photographer Glynis Bland will go on display at the RSPCA Hall in Kendal, featuring 200 dogs, kittens, hamsters, ponies – and even a barn owl.
The project, 200 Pets for 200 years, is celebrating the bicentenary of the RSPCA, but is a fund-raising effort specifically for the independent RSPCA Westmorland branch to help animals in their care and the prevention of cruelty or neglect.
Glynis has been taking the photos for the last few months, at the RSPCA Hall and, in the case of larger pets, out on location. She has around 150 portraits already but there are still a few spaces available to take part.
“Capturing the bond between children and their pets can be a very precious memory for families,” said Glynis, a top portrait photographer who has recently been taking wildlife pictures.
A keen supporter of the RSPCA Westmorland, for whom she is a trustee, she previously organised a spectacular fundraiser, an exhibition of photographs of people aged from one to 100, along with an auction and a raffle.
That raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer, Bay Search and Rescue, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. The star guest at the gala show at the Villa at Levens was Stanley Taylor from Grange-over-Sands, the baby whose story prompted Glynis to set up the project. She photographed him when newborn, and then before and after his treatment for a hole in his heart at Alder Hey.
Her portfolio of portraits of people from all over the country culminated in a huge collage which was shown at the event, and the publication of a book of all the faces. There was also a special commemorative book made for Stanley and his family.
This time, the photo shoot for each child and their pet is free, and their family will receive one free digital image.
But they will also have the chance to buy others from the portfolio that Glynis is creating for everyone. She also hopes to produce a book of the photos, and there will be opportunities for donations at the gala exhibition on September 29.
Four Cumbrian schools are involved in the project so far – St Martin and St Mary, and St Cuthbert’s, in Windermere; Staveley School; and Crosthwaite primary. Children with pets who live further north in Cumbria, including the Eden Valley, are especially invited to take part.
“If it’s the sort of pet that has to stay at home – a pony, or a goat or a hen – that’s not a problem. We can come to you,” said Glynis.
Her initiative has been warmly welcomed by the charity’s staff, Hayley Stalker and Kerry Moran. Branch administrator Hayley said: “ We are delighted that Glynis is helping our animals in this very novel and fun way. The children are loving getting involved and are having a wonderful time being photographed with their pets.
“We can use the funds in our work locally to help the community and their animals. It’s a great idea.”
To take part, call Glynis on 071919 201711.
