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.
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
THROWING himself off 1,100ft bridges in a wheelchair, this is the PARALYSED base jumper who knows no fear .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
WITH A STERN look of determination on their faces, these adorable pooches perfect their doggy paddle as they dive head first into a swimming pool .
COULD this be the most distastrous wedding cake fail EVER? Most brides opt for a traditional tiered white wedding cake decorated with delicate pink roses and lace for their big day .
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
USUALLY full to bursting, these London Underground stations stand silent and completely commuter free .
This is the moment a nimble red fox and a lumbering Alaskan brown bear were locked in a tense stand-off .