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Guinea pig portrait causes a squeal
Three Unknown Elizabethan Children, Unkown Anglo-Netherlandish artist, c.1580 privately owned

Earliest known painting of species revealed for the first time

A painting has been unveiled in London's National Portrait Gallery, of what is believed to be the earliest portrait of a guinea pig.

The painting depicts three Elizabethan children, two boys aged five and six, with a girl aged seven who is cradling a beige, brown and white guinea pig.
 
The portrait was revealed during the making of the exhibition "Elizabeth I and her people", which is supported by the Weiss Gallery and due to open on October 10, 2013.

Guinea pigs were introduced from South America by Spanish traders and are said to have been popular pets during Queen Elizabeth I's time.

Due to the expensive and fashionable dress of the children in the portrait, it is suspected that they belonged to a wealthy family of nobility or gentry. Portraits of children became popular among the sixteenth century across Europe, as they allowed families to document lineage and fertility.

In the portrait, the youngest boy also clutches a small bird, which is thought to be a finch.

Guinea pigs are not the only animal to feature in the exhibition, as horses, stags and dogs also make appearances, as well as more exotic animals displayed on the subject's jewellery, purses and crests.
 
The exhibition will be open until the new year. Click here for more information.

Image courtesey of the National Portrait Gallery

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.