Bridget Olerenshaw (British, d. 1989) French Bulldog 'Mismees Benjamin' (mounted but unframed)

Bridget Olerenshaw (British, d. 1989) French Bulldog 'Mismees Benjamin' signed and dated 'B.P. Olerenshaw '75' (lower right), inscribed 'MISMEES BENJAMIN' (lower centre) watercolour and gouache 24.5 x 20.5cm (9 5/8 x 8 1/16in). mounted but unframed Footnotes: Bridget Olerenshaw was commissioned by Country Life to paint the front covers for several Crufts editions of their magazine, and in 1963 she illustrated the 'Country Life Book of Dogs' by Sonia M Lampson. The combined work of an expert author and talented artist, on each left-hand page of the book is the history and characteristics of over 90 breeds of dogs, all of which appear on the Kennel Club register. Facing these histories on the right-hand pages are brilliant sketches, giving in each case a head of the dog and 2 or 3 impressions of an individual in typical attitudes. Olerenshaw also provided some illustrations for the book 'The Complete Great Pyrenees' published in the USA by Howells, and her drawings, to accompany the breed standard, were used by Foyles in their handbook. She was an Honorary member of the Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club of Great Britain. Over the years she probably painted more Pyreneans than any other breed. As well as local galleries in her own area, exhibitions of Olerenshaw's work were also seen at Crufts and at the Tryon Gallery in London. At the time of her death in 1989 she was one of the top canine artists in the country and had been dubbed the next Maud Earl. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: AR AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing