George Chamberlain - ca.1958

George Chamberlain

ca.1958

This charming, childhood study of George was taken in Africa, prior to his family's relocation to Australia. Though over 50 years have passed and his hair has since thinned and turned to grey, the innocent, guileless little face gazing out from this image remains instantly and irrefutably recognizable as that of George.     

Kerry Wright with Toots - 27 July 1958

Kerry Wright with Toots

27 July 1958

When I was 8, Mum called in a professional photographer to take a series of photos of me with my dog, Toots. This is my favourite photo from that series. My brother, Robert, brought Toots home when she was just a tiny ball of fluff. He begged Mum to let her stay. Mum at first refused but soon relented, on the proviso that Robert would take responsibility for the dog’s care. Not long after, Robert left home for good and I adopted Toots as my own. Even when she was just a tiny puppy, Toots had very large paws, which is how she got her name. She hadn't been with us for long and was still only a big overgrown pup when this sweet photo was taken on 27 July 1958. Toots was with us for just seven short years, during which time she and I became inseparable companions. She was my best friend and we went everywhere together. It broke my heart when she died of bowel cancer when I was 14.