This portrait of a black and tan working cocker spaniel would date from the early 1900s. An unusual subject for Knighton-Hammond even in his formative years. I have had to solicit help with regards to the dog! Painted from life, it would have been quite a task for the spaniel to have stayed still for any length of time. I am advised that the dog’s owner would have been present alongside the artist to issue the command for the dog to remain still. Also, it is likely that the dog was in his own surroundings as opposed to Knighton-Hammond’s studio – that doesn’t mean to say that Knighton-Hammond was in the ‘doghouse’ more likely the gamekeeper’s house! One senses that the spaniel is desperate to be up and about sniffing anything and everything! It is very alert and would be off in an instant if commanded. Knighton-Hammond captured the arrested motion or frozen action of the spaniel poised ready to off in a flash. As a dog portrait this is a very accomplished oil painting. The texture of the paint is used to portrait the dog’s fur. Whilst there is little colour contrast between the dog and the background, Knighton-Hammond has still managed to achieve the disposition of space from the background projecting the dog forward into its own space. There is little doubt that the artist has accurately depicted the physical appearance of the spaniel but he has further captured the endearing character of the dog. There is an element of sentimentality in the dog’s expression being man’s best friend. Even in this early stage of his career, the artist demonstrates his amazing ability to find character in all his subjects.