Royal Kennel Club Visit – 10 Sep 2025
The Master’s final social event of his year was held at the Royal Kennel Club in Mayfair on 10 September 2025. Members enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Exhibits Room, Gallery and Library, where treasures such as the original Stud Book of 1874 and the famous Crufts Cup were on display. The group also learned surprising facts about dog ownership, including Queen Victoria’s 75 dogs. With expert guides, fine artwork, and a remarkable archive, the visit was both educational and entertaining. An excellent lunch and warm hospitality rounded off a memorable day in one of London’s most historic clubs
The Master’s final social event of his year took place on Wednesday 10th September at the Royal Kennel Club in Mayfair, originally founded on 4th April 1873. This might be considered an unusual venue, however not only are the Master and Mistress keen dog fans, but it emerged that within the Worshipful Company of Plumbers there is also a couple well known to the Kennel Club – Linda Carnaby and her husband Past Steward John Carnaby.
Linda has bred and shown boxers for many years and has written extensively on the breed, compiling records and editing three books detailing the historical breeding of boxers. These were proudly on display in the extensive Library of the Club.
In the Library and Records Office Lvy Don Barron, Linda Carnaby, PM Antony Patterson-Fox, Lvy Ian Raine, The Master, Lesley Barron, Lvy & Past Senior Steward John Carnaby
The party enjoyed tours of the Exhibits Room – including the famous Crufts Cup – the Gallery with its many stunning paintings, and the Library, where members were shown the original Kennel Club Stud Book, first published in 1874 and listing all the dog shows and field trials since 1859.
Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and entertaining – did you know Queen Victoria had 75 dogs and set the trend for dog ownership in the UK? In addition to its extensive library, book collections, and artwork, the Club is also building a photo archive. Under the direction of curator Heidi, the collection has grown from a few hundred to over two million images in just a short time. One renowned Victorian dog photographer even made his name by bringing along his cat to capture the attention of his canine subjects, resulting in some remarkable portraits.
Lvy & Past Senior Steward John Carnaby, Master-elect Sandra Raine, Lvy Prof Tim Gocher OBE, Lvy Trevor Wilson, Pooja Gurung, Jan Wilson, Andrea Husselbee, Fmn Dr Paul Husselbee, Ciara Farrell, Library & Collections Manager, Lvy Don Barron, Linda Carnaby
His Majesty King Charles and Queen Camilla are both devoted dog lovers, following in the footsteps of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who of course grew up surrounded by dogs. King Charles bestowed the ‘Royal’ accreditation on the Kennel Club not long after his Coronation.
The visit was accompanied by an excellent lunch, complete with bubbly and wine, and lively conversation about the history of this astonishing Club. After lunch, members repaired to the bar area for coffee and liqueurs, where the Master thanked curators Ciara, Marianne and Heidi, along with Club Manager Ralph, for looking after us so well. He also thanked Linda and John Carnaby for introducing the Mistress and him to the Club, and Leading Steward Patty Grant for organising the event.
Leading Steward Patty Grant, Guests Sharon Hall and Ian Palmer, Lvy Jane Palmer
What was originally planned as a short visit of only a few hours turned into a full day out, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. Thank you, Master, for an inspired choice of venue!
Leading Steward Patty Grant