Curator's Choice

This image was taken during the Animals’ Welfare Week Parade, June 1924.  It was organised by a committee of Letchworth people and the Letchworth League for the Protection of Animals.  

The Animals’ Welfare Week began in 1922 to celebrate the centenary of the first act of parliament to recognise the rights of animals. We are used to thinking of concern about animals and the environment as a relatively recent thing, but this was certainly not the case in Letchworth, with its proliferation of vegetarians and animal lovers.  It is great to see that the event drew such a spirited crowd.  

The culmination of the parade was a dog show, where, in true democratic Letchworth spirit all dogs were welcome, whether mongrel or pedigree.  It seems to capture a ‘Pioneer’ spirit to stand up for what you believe in (albeit in fancy dress!)

Vicky Rawlings, Curator - Collections