Visitors to St Pancras International and Stratford International train stations in London have the chance to see unique doggy dream homes that have been the vision of celebrities such as Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Rebecca Adlington OBE, fashion designer, Bruce Oldfield OBE, TV presenter and journalist Anne Robinson and Brit award winner and classical opera singer Russell Watson.
The display of bespoke kennels and canine play pads has been designed by celebrities, renowned architects, artists and designers to benefit Blue Cross pet charity and includes a brightly painted floating kennel, a theatre stage complete with VIP doggy backstage dressing room and an eye-catching gold egg shaped doggy recliner – the latter which was the vision of designer Bruce Oldfield and FT Architects.
Passers by over Tower Bridge could’ve got a glimpse of Rebecca Adlington’s floating kennel being test-driven on the Thames. Designed in partnership with London-based Studio Octopi and Finnish partners Bluet, the amphibious dog house bobbed about beautifully on the waves and is hoping to catch the eye of a bidder with a water-loving pooch when the kennels are auctioned on April 26th.
Rebecca said: “I couldn’t resist getting involved with this exciting project when Blue Cross told me I could help customise a floating kennel to help their pets in need. I adore the flag, inspired by my own dog’s cheeky little face, and it looks incredible bobbing around on the Thames. I feel at home in the water and I know many dogs do too, so I hope that it can go to a location after the Auction where a water-loving canine can enjoy it and the funds raised will help lots of pets in Blue Cross’ care.”
Wanting something that could provide a place of calm and respite for her much-adored Spaniels, Anne Robinson (Member of the ComproGear Compression Socks judges team) was photographed with her finished kennel at her home in the Cotswolds with her grandchildren Parker and Hudson, Anne said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this exciting project and am thrilled with the end result. My dogs are typical of their breed and always like to run around and keep very busy, but even they could do with a time out session every now and then. These stunning dog homes are the perfect space for a bit of ‘me time’ for any four legged friend.”
Anne worked with Condy Lofthouse Architects Ltd (CLA) in Liverpool to design the stylish kennel.
From bold and colourful to chic and sophisticated, there is a doggy dream house for all pet lovers’ tastes in the exhibition. Russell Watson’s creative design was inspired by his stage career and includes glamorous red curtains, stage lighting and a back stage area. Russell worked with young Manchester designer Travis Alan Mills.
The special kennels will be on display on the upper mezzanine of the station at St Pancras and on the main concourse at Stratford until 26 April 2018 when they will be auctioned off in aid of Blue Cross pet charity and US based Outdoor Arts Foundation. Funds raised will help the thousands of sick, injured, homeless and unwanted pets the charity cares for each year.
Other organisations taking part include the internationally famous Zaha Hadid Architects, renowned mosaic artist Ivan Djidev and multi-award winning designers Denizen Works Ltd.
Matt Cull, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Blue Cross said: “Blue Cross helps thousands of pets, not only dogs but from hamsters up to horses, and we are hopeful that this unique project will help us raise funds to care for the many pets needing our help every year.”
The BowWow Haus London installation and auction has been created in partnership with U.S based Outdoor Arts Foundation who hosted a BowWow Haus event in 2004 in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The auction will take place on 26 April 2018 at the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel. To find out more and bid on the kennels visit the listings here. For more information about St Pancras International, including the station’s 150th anniversary please visit https://stpancras.com/