Sleeping Partners: Cracker and Micky: Two Dogs with a Tale

Cracker was a very special dog. The white bull terrier, with a black spot over one eye and a comical disposition, became the most famous canine model in the world because he was the bosom pal and leading professional model of illustrator Cecil Aldin. In Aldin’s studio, Cracker found his book companion and “straight man” Micky, who was generally to be seen stretched on a sofa. The pair became sleeping partners; hence the title of a series of drawings made over many months and published in book form, with no text except for one-word captions under each picture.

Cecil Aldin was born in 1870 and began his working life as a magazine illustrator. He later became famous for his animal prints—especially his portrayal of dogs.