Pub Dogs of London – it began in Brixton and now it’s back

Brixton photographer Fiona Freund has an exhibition of her work opening in the Lounge on Atlantic Road on Monday (14 May). It’s based on a book that is full of portraits by her. And this, Fiona explains, is how it came about …

 

Dog in pub

The nice people from Freight Books got in touch in 2015.

“We need portraits.”

“That’s what I do.”

“Of dogs.”

“…O…K…”

“In London Pubs”

“When do I start?”

 

I have been a portrait photographer for over 25 years shooting the great, good and glittery for magazines, books and illustrious clients around the world. Hounds in hostelries is a first!

My lovely local, The Elm Park Tavern in Brixton, near the fabulous Brockwell Park, was my first stop. The wonderful landlord Matt and a few well placed posters worked a treat and within 20 minutes I was knee deep in man’s best friends.

Without Victoria Stilwell as an assistant, getting the pampered pouches to pose and pout was going to require some serious doggie diplomacy.

And I was going to spend a lot of time crawling around on the floor making a twit of myself to entertain my sitters (which I usually do a fair bit), and getting sniffed and licked by them (which I usually don’t).

Although I am dogless I do have two small boys who respond best to firm monosyllabic commands and lots of food and exercise – so I have the necessary transferable skills. Isn’t there something they say about children and animals?

With some smashing snaps – Dougie the dachshund-cross who likes frankfurters, Danny Boy who does Elvis impersonations and Dallas the heavyweight boxer who wouldn’t come out from under the table – my test shoot was a success and I was ready to fully immerse myself in the weird and wonderful world of London dogs – and their owners.

I plumped for other poochie pubs around Brockwell Park and then aimed for other areas of London with a park at their heart.

As I scoured the capital for suitable establishments – having lots of slightly confused conversations with bemused landlords – I realised I had drunk and even performed (don’t ask) in most of the 20 or so pubs I had pinpointed for their canine clientele in my 30+ years as a Londoner.

The wonderful pubs of London didn’t disappoint.

From Hackney to Hampstead, Notting Hill to Norwood there are puggles and zuchons and sproillies and cockapoos.

I met some wonderful dogs with their adoring owners who were all great fun and very game to do whatever was necessary to get the shot.

I am delighted to now be collaborating with Clover Eziashi proud owner of The Lounge and Remi the Boston terrier, in presenting Pub Dogs of London – The Exhibition. Come and see the doggies up close and personal, buy a book, or a portrait session for the dog in your life.’

Get the book


WHAT: Pub Dogs of London photography exhibition

WHERE: The Lounge, 56–58 Atlantic Road SW9

WHEN: Monday 14 May to Saturday 30 June 2018

TIMES:  Noon to 10pm, Monday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm Sunday

ENTRANCE: FREE

Chulo – Prince Regent
Chulo – Prince Regent

 

Pipi – The Rosendale in West Dulwich
Pipi – The Rosendale in West Dulwich

 

Albert – The Prince Regent
Albert – The Prince Regent

 

Scooble 2 – The Elm Park Tavern
Scooble 2 – The Elm Park Tavern

 

Murphy – The Elm Park Tavern
Murphy – The Elm Park Tavern

 

Bill – The Prince Regent
Bill – The Prince Regent