Ratting Collection

Ratting at the Dog Show, 1870 (engraving)
1575602 Ratting at the Dog Show, 1870 (engraving); (add.info.: Engraving depicts a rat-baiting scene. Rat-baiting is a blood sport involving the baiting of rats in a pit)

At the Turnspit, Quakers Alley (colour litho)
3095686 At the Turnspit, Quakers Alley (colour litho) by Concanen, Alfred (1835-86); Private Collection; (add.info.: At the Turnspit, Quakers Alley)

The Prodigals Return, 1924 (engraving)
3471673 The Prodigals Return, 1924 (engraving) by Partridge, Bernard John (1861-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Winston Churchill)

Chums: Ratting (colour litho)
5999141 Chums: Ratting (colour litho) by Hassall, John (1868-1948); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ratting. Illustration for Chums by John Hassall (Thomas Nelson, c 1906).); © Look and Learn

Ratting at the Dog Show (engraving)
1052000 Ratting at the Dog Show (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ratting at the Dog Show)

Ratting at the Graham Arms, Graham Street, London (engraving)
607651 Ratting at the Graham Arms, Graham Street, London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ratting at the Graham Arms, Graham Street)

Dog ratting 1850s
Dog ratting at a show held at The Graham Arms, Graham Street, London. Involving capturing rats in a pit or other enclosed area

"Rats!"(chromolitho)
5223817 " Rats!" (chromolitho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: " Rats!" Illustration for The Childs Companion, c 1892.); © Look and Learn

Ratting in the Hedgerows (engraving)
1616368 Ratting in the Hedgerows (engraving) by Dadd, S.T. (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ratting in the Hedgerows)

Ratting in the trenches, WWI
Ratting: The New Sport in the Trenches. British soldiers follow a terrier as it dashes along a trench on the Western Front in pursuit of a rat

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier standing on a boulder in a garden

Staffordshire Bull Terrier standing in a field of wild Poppy flowers

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier sitting on a sandstone wall in a garden

Ratting / Paris Dog Show
Ratting at the Paris Dog Show. Date: 1870

RATTING
at a dog show held in the Champs Elysees, Paris (France)

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"Ratting: A Historical Perspective on the Battle against Vermin" In the trenches of World War I, Billy The Rat Catcher emerged as a hero in an unexpected battle. With his trusty terrier by his side, he fearlessly ventured into the treacherous rat-infested tunnels to protect soldiers from disease-carrying rodents. At the Turnspit, Quakers Alley became a hub for ratting enthusiasts. Colour lithographs captured the thrill and excitement of this popular pastime during the early 19th century. One such illustration depicted "The Celebrated Dog Billy Killing 100 Rats at the Westminster Pit, " showcasing both skill and determination. Even establishments like the Graham Arms in London embraced ratting as a form of entertainment. Engravings showcased patrons eagerly watching dogs demonstrate their prowess in eliminating these unwanted pests. It was an exhilarating spectacle that brought people together. It also found its place in literature and art throughout history. In Pierce Egan's book published in 1825, woodcuts illustrated anecdotes about rats being hunted down by courageous canines. These stories not only entertained but shed light on society's ongoing struggle with vermin control. One engraving titled "The Prodigals Return" from 1924 portrayed a heartwarming scene where a dog returns triumphant after successfully ridding an area of rats. This image symbolized hope and victory over adversity. Chums magazine featured colourful lithographs capturing thrilling moments adventures, captivating readers with tales of bravery and camaraderie between humans and their loyal four-legged companions. Even prestigious events like dog shows incorporated ratting competitions to showcase canine talent beyond traditional obedience trials or agility courses. Engravings immortalized these intense battles between man's best friend and cunning rodents. From bustling streets to hedgerows, rats were persistent adversaries that plagued communities for centuries.