麻豆社

During World War One, a poster appeared calling on the dog owners of Kensington to send fur combings to the British Dogs Wool Association.

The fur would be used for the 鈥渟upply of comforts for the sick and wounded鈥�.

A prize was offered for every pound of 鈥渨ool鈥� given by a dog owner.

The Royal Academy of Arts in Burlington House was being used as the Central Work Rooms for the British Red Cross Society and Order of St John.

It was here dogs鈥� fur was being spun and made into items such as socks for wounded soldiers.

Certain breeds were deemed best for the supply of dogs鈥� wool. Collies, Setters and Spaniels were among the preferred breeds.

Combings from wire-haired breeds were not suitable for spinning but a 1918 letter sent from the Central Work Rooms to dog owners stated such combings could be used for filling 鈥渓imb pillows鈥�.

The letter also stated: 鈥淗uman hair is not suitable for our purpose鈥�.

Location: The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Mayfair, London W1J OBD
Image: A poster from the British Dogs鈥� Wool Association, courtesy of the IWM

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