Those of us whose households include furred members know what an important part of family life they play and if a family photograph is taken, they often take their rightful place alongside us. For children they are often their ‘bestest’ friends, especially when the child is in trouble for a misdeed. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, studio photographic portraits were generally formal and required the subject to sit quiet and still for a time. This meant that it was difficult to have photographs taken with the sitter’s bestest animal friends, but there are a few.

The difficulty of getting animals to sit still can be seen in these two photographs.

From the John Etkins Collection. c.1880
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

This sheep, though, displays much more discipline. As the sheep is wearing a large ribbon around its neck, I suspect it is a superior sheep that may have won prizes at a Show.

By the late nineteenth century and into the twentieth, an an increasing number of photographs were taken out of doors though they still displayed the formality of the studio portraits.

Two photographs of members of the same family. In the first both the cat and dog are quite relaxed and unrestrained in any way. But once the children arrive, the cat has shot through and the dog is held fast to ensure its presence.

Photographer unknown. c.1890
Courtesy State Library of Victoria.

This even includes what appears to be a tamed bird sitting behind the woman. I am certain, too, that the moment she moves her hand the cat will leap from her lap.

Photographer: Albert Jones. c.1910-c.1918
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

A photograph by Albert Jones, a Diamond Valley orchardist and photographer who recorded everyday events and street scenes in the area as well as visiting homes to take family groups. The image clearly displays the sheer boredom of sitting for a photograph. The animal in the girl’s lap is described as a cat. I’m not so sure as the nose looks more like that of a dog or, perhaps, a furby!

Photographer: Walter Hodgkinson. c.1880-c.1900
Courtesy State Library of Victoria.

Relaxed photographs of women with their pets. The first is possibly a less formal studio setting; the other two are starting to look more like the family snaps we are used to now.

Animals and children together no doubt offered challenges for a photographer.

Photographer: Dudley Le Souef. 1899.
Courtesy State Library of Victoria

Horace and his very patient cat.

The girl and her cat is possibly a studio photograph with the cat merely deigning to stay. The second is delightful, but poor kitty – submitting until she gets her chance to escape.

Photographer unknown. Late 19th/early 20th century.
Courtesy State Library of Victoria.

Off on adventure with your dog and your goat.

And to complete this collection, some family photos.

My maternal great-grandmother, Sarah Ann (Watson) O’Connor, 1930s.
Mum remembered her as a woman with a great sense of humour who loved cats.