Three Legged Dog Toasting Fork
Maker Unknown
Date: 1750 - 1850
Place Made: Britain
Materials & Techniques: Wood, Iron, Paint
Dimensions: 48cm x 76cm x 47cm
Accession Number: Compton Verney, CVCSC: 0169.F
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This strange looking creature is in fact a three-legged dog toasting fork. We do not know who made it but they must have had a great sense of humour! Bread is placed on the fork tusks and the dog is pushed near an open fire to make perfect toast!
The body of the dog is made from a single wood branch, perhaps collected on a country walk, and the tail maybe an old walking stick handle.
The large nail metal feet make it very stable and the prongs from a pitchfork create the tusked nose. The whole thing has been painted to resemble a brown and white dog, perhaps in remembrance of a real pet.
Teachers' Information
The unidentified wood is coarsely painted and varnished to protect it from the heat and the pitch fork attachment is screwed into place as glue would be unsuitable. The three legs and nail feet although aesthetically bizarre make the item very stable and ideal for a rough, flagstone floor. The piece would have provided entertainment in its creation in addition to being a useful kitchen appliance.
This type of object is classed as Folk Art. It shows us how people lived in the countryside over 100 years ago. From looking at the materials used (wood and farm tools) and the purpose of the dog we can tell a great deal about the life of the person who made it.
The dog has always been an important element in country life as a working farm animal and companion. The pastime of whittling and carving helped fill the long winter evenings when the open fire was the equivalent of the TV in 21st Century society. As a symbol the pitch fork is associated with simple rural working communities but is also connected to the devil’s trident which is an interesting link to the fire for toasting!
Activities
1. Collect an interesting shaped branch on a country walk. Discuss what appliance it could be made into. Under supervision create your own Folk Art masterpiece.
2. Imagine you are the farmer who created the three legged dog toasting fork. Write an account of how you found the materials and carved the cute dog. What did you toast on the fire? Was it a present for someone? Think about what life was like over 100 years ago.
3. Wood is a very versatile material. Research different types of wood, their uses and properties. Create a wall display to illustrate where different types of wood come from.