Review by Dee Dee Andersson
This heirloom quality book is a rare gem that the Newfoundland fanciers will undoubtedly cherish. A gentle and kindly creature, this bear-like Newfoundland dog certainly deserved a book worthy of its magnificence and The Newfoundland Heritage and Art by Nick Waters does not disappoint. A book of this caliber has no expiration dated, although it may eventually go out of print, it will never become outdated. In fact, it will become more coveted and honored over time. I predict owners of this book will savor it, recognizing and preserving it for the wonderful treasure it is, passing it along to future generations of Newfoundland devotees.
Nick Waters and Bas Bosch have produced a remarkable living record of the Newfoundland’s history. The photography included in this book is simply astonishing, so many beautiful photographs. The breed history is depicted through art, supported by incredible photographs of sculptures, statues, china, porcelain, bronze, pottery, wood carvings, copper carvings, mosaics and much more, and a thoughtful description of the photography emphasizes the circumstances surrounding the art. One cannot help but appreciate and be impressed by the time and effort that went into gathering the information for this book.
It begins with a lengthy and informative history surrounding A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society, a famous painting known the world over that was produced by the illustrious artist, Sir Edwin Landseer. In 1836, Landseer’s painting was displayed at the Royal Academy exhibition. A portrait of a magnificent white and black Newfoundland, the painting was willed by Newman Smith to his wife and, at her passing, with specific public display stipulations, it moved on in 1887 to its permanent home, the National Gallery in Britain. Distinguished Member, overlooked and left to the ravages of time, was eventually rescued by the grace of Ron Pemberton and restored by funding from The Newfoundland Club of America and other generous sponsors who raised in excess of £11,000 for that purpose.