Slum Dogs of India

When photographer Eloise Leyden spent a year travelling around India, she became fascinated not only by the vibrant beauty of the land and the warmth of its people, but also by the country's sizeable population of stray dogs. Eloise's empathy with animals is captured perfectly in this set of colourful and touching images of dogs roaming the bustling city streets, scavenging in markets, basking on sandy beaches and sleeping just about anywhere.  Different aspects of the dogs’ daily life are chronicled: a sadhu feeds an eager pack of street dogs in Rishikesh, while a puppy snoozes in a hole he dug to escape the midday heat in Varanasi and, in Calcutta, a dog forages among the crows on an open rubbish tip on the side of the road.

The photographs reveal the close bond that often develops between the dogs and their fellow street dwellers - humans and animals alike - and document the efforts of individuals and groups to promote the welfare of the strays.

Nowadays we are used to the absolute clarity of digital photography so it is worth mentioning that all of these images have been shot on film.  The slight grain and minor imperfections that come from using film sit very well with the raw subject matter of the photographs and add to the sense of authenticity of her journey through India. 

The images have been consolidated into a book, Slum Dogs of India published by Merrell.  Signed copies are available from Stockbridge Gallery along with limited edition signed prints.