FROM MRS Patmore to Lady Sybil, these barking mad illustrations show the WOOF-er side of some of our most loved Downton characters. The art works entitled 'Houndton Tabby', were designed by illustrator and artist Kim Parkhurst, 39, after she combined her love of drawing and Downton Abbey. 'I've been painting portraits of animals in historical costume for some time,” explains New Yorker Kim. “I've taken some familiar and beloved characters whose demeanour, personality, and appearance seemed to translate to certain breeds of dog or cat. 'I got to thinking about Mr Bates' character and storyline, and Brendan Coyle's facial structure, and how he could look hard but also had the warmest, kindest eyes.
SAT with his arms folded and a cross look on his face, this Gorilla looks like he's had enough of the Christmas holidays already .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
Staring death in the face, a little field mouse bravely confronts a hungry cat .
NEW DELHI, A woman activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party crosses a police barricade near the residence of ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi during a protest against the recent rape of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi, India, April 21, 2013 .
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
VIBRANT bursts of colour fill the screen as beautiful flowers blossom in these time-lapse videos .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
WITH STUNNING colours and serene scenes, these photographs capture the otherworldly beauty of the English coast .