CHATSWORTH.- A monumental new work "Dog Scaffolding Sculpture" stands proudly in the Chatsworth Garden ready to greet visitors as part of the Derbyshire estate’s new exhibition.

Artist Ben Long was commissioned to create the new piece for ‘The Dog: A Celebration at Chatsworth’ creating a playful and alert sculpture of a dog constructed entirely from metal scaffolding.

Ben explains: “Part of the challenge of working in scaffolding is overcoming the inherent lifelessness of this large scale material in order to describe organic form. While soft and cuddly is in no way achievable in steel, my ambition for Dog Scaffolding Sculpture does extend to capturing something akin to the abundant energy and playfulness that the canine species embodies.

“I wanted to make a dog because I felt it was a way to convey loyalty, guidance, protection, fun, play, acceptance, and most crucially the capacity for love. And all at a scale that would seem impossible to ignore.”

Dogs of all shapes and sizes, from royal favourites and distinguished pedigrees to determined mongrels and intelligent working dogs, feature in the exhibition.

Inspired by the Duchess of Devonshire’s love for her four-legged friends, ‘The Dog: A Celebration at Chatsworth’ explores stories of bravery and mischief, of working dogs and treasured companions through a myriad of paintings and objects from letters, snuff boxes, jewellery, sculpture and ceramics to embroideries, drawings and painted ceilings.

Star works from Constable, Stubbs, Gainsborough and Landseer sit alongside contemporary pieces by Lucian Freud, Jeff Koons, Antony Gormley and Elisabeth Frink to complete a wonderful celebration of dogs in art.

The exhibition explores more than 400 years of the enduring bond between man and his faithful friend through generations of the Cavendish family celebrating the lives of dogs intertwined with the running of a country estate.

The family’s fondness for dogs is evident; from the 1st Duke’s childhood pet, to a poem written by Duchess Georgiana in the 18th century, a recipe for dealing with a bite from a mad dog and letters between the 9th Duke and Duchess detailing the antics of their naughty puppy Punch. The 6th Duke’s many dogs, which he celebrated in commissioned portraits, are reunited alongside candid family photographs of Duchess Deborah and other family members with their dogs.

The Duchess of Devonshire, who has played a leading role in creating the exhibition, has contributed many personal pieces which celebrate her constant companions and many of the working dogs she has bred and trained.

“I have lived with and loved dogs for as long as I can remember. They are an integral part of my life and every day I see the importance of dogs reflected in the Collection at Chatsworth. When I look out into the park or walk my own dogs Max and Treacle, I am always conscious of the pleasure that so many people get from walking their dogs. I hope this exhibition gives people an opportunity to share in our love of dogs and add their own stories to this enduring relationship.”

The exhibition looks at dogs from myths and legends, in cartoons and as companions as well as the way dogs have been venerated with extravagant pieces including silver dog collars; Fabergé pieces made from precious stones including a border terrier with rose diamond eyes and even four-poster dog beds upholstered in silk velvet and chintz.

Objects from the Devonshire Collection and the family’s private collection - including pieces shown publicly for the first time - are displayed alongside loans from public and private collections. Significant lenders include the Kennel Club, Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Science and Media Museum.

For the Duchess, one of the most poignant pieces on display is a Red Cross collar, worn by a dog trained to locate dead and wounded soldiers during the First World War. Usually under the cover of night such dogs searched no man’s land between opposing trenches. The dogs were able to tell the difference between a deceased soldier and one that was unconscious. Some dogs were equipped with bottles of brandy and rope so stretcher bearers and rescue parties, including medics, could find the injured man.