A Dog Lover’s Delight at Shields Library
Fleetfield Gallery Dog Art Display features a rotating selection of dog-themed art and books
Did you know that Shields Library has an art collection dedicated to dogs?
Head down the main staircase to the lower level, and on your right you’ll find the Fleetfield Gallery Dog Art Display. The exhibit features a rotating selection of dog-themed art and books donated by the Sheila Grant Fleetfield Dog Museum and Library.
Sheila Grant (1950-2017) was an animal behaviorist, professional dog handler and lifelong dog lover. The Fleetfield Gallery collection comprises mostly greyhounds and Afghan hounds, Grant’s favorite breed. The current display features a couple dozen objects from the collection of more than 500 pieces of art and hundreds of books from Grant’s massive library on dogs, dog training and canine health.
In addition to fine art pieces, the display emphasizes how dog art can be incorporated into the design of functional objects. The ceramic plates in the display are a classic example. See if you can spot these functional objects:
- door knocker
- candle holder
- walking cane
- business card holder
- TV lamp
If you’re not familiar with TV lamps, they were a craze in the 1950-60s as home television sets became more common. Often taking whimsical shapes, the TV lamp (or TV Light) was marketed as a way to reduce the eye strain of watching the TV in a darkened room. The lamp would sit on top of these early, large TV sets, casting a soft light onto the wall behind. The TV lamp in in the display is in the shape of a standing Afghan hound.
This iteration of the Fleetfield Gallery will be on display through summer 2027. Visit our online exhibit to learn more about Sheila Grant and view highlights in the larger collection.