The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is set to welcome art and dog lovers alike with We Think the World of You: People and Dogs Drawn Together, an exhibition by renowned artist David Remfry MBE RA. Opening on 5 April 2025 and running until 22 June, this collection of portraits explores the special bond between people and their dogs through Remfry’s distinctive and expressive artwork, offering visitors an intimate exploration of the bonds that unite people and their beloved canines.
Having spent over 15 years capturing these intimate relationships, Remfry’s portraits explore the mutual understanding and deep connection between people and their beloved pets. Dogs have long played a significant role in Western art, often seen as the artist’s best friend—both as a companion and as a subject. Remfry, best known for his large-scale paintings of dancers and urban nightlife, began this series while working from his studio at the iconic Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Inviting friends and neighbours to sit for him, he soon found that many brought their dogs along. The moving stories behind these partnerships inspired him, leading to this remarkable collection that captures not only their likenesses but also the profound bonds they share. Some of the stories are shared with you alongside some of Remfry’s works in the exhibition as well as in small audio sound bites.
The exhibition title, We Think the World of You, is borrowed from the novel by J.R. Ackerley, which recounts the story of how the author acquired his beloved Alsatian, immortalised in the 1956 memoir, My Dog Tulip.
Heather Holmes, Manager of The Beacon Museum, said:
“We Think the World of You: People and Dogs Drawn Together is set to open at The Beacon Museum on Saturday 5 April, marking a first for our venue – accompanied by a special in-conversation event with the artist on Wednesday, 14 May. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gain personal insight into this remarkable exhibition directly from David Remfry himself.”
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added: “We are pleased to host David Remfry’s exhibition at The Beacon. His portraits offer a thoughtful look at the special relationships people share with their dogs, something that will resonate with many visitors. Art has a way of capturing everyday moments in a meaningful way, and this exhibition provides a chance to reflect on the companionship and connection that pets bring to our lives. We look forward to welcoming people to experience this unique collection.”
As part of the exhibition, The Beacon will also host two special events featuring the artist. On Wednesday, 14 May at 2.00pm, David Remfry will lead a Gallery Talk where visitors can join him for an exclusive tour of the exhibition and hear firsthand about the inspirations behind the exhibition. Tickets are priced at £10. Later that day, at 6.00pm, Remfry will take part in a Talk: In Conversation with David Remfry, offering a deeper exploration of his work and creative process. This intimate conversation provides a unique opportunity to engage with one of contemporary art’s most intriguing voices. Tickets for this event are priced at £15.Tickets for both events will be on sale from Friday 4 April.