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Terriers looking at the camera
Royal Pets

There has been a long tradition of the Royal Family keeping pets

PRINCE ALBERT, PRINCE CONSORT, CONSORT OF VICTORIA, QUEEN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (1819-61)

Centrepiece

1842/3

RCIN 1570

This centrepiece features a model of Islay, one of Queen Victoria's favourite terriers, standing on his hind legs. She described him as: 'a darling little fellow, yellow brindled, rough long hair, very short legs and a large, long, intelligent good face’.

Prince Albert designed the elaborate centrepiece in collaboration with the jewellery firm Garrard & Co. As well as Islay, the design incorporates models of other favourite royal dogs including the greyhound Eos and the terrier Cairnach. It was displayed at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Islay appears in the same pose in the painting Windsor Castle in Modern Times by Sir Edwin Landseer. 


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.