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.
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
A TAXIDERMY truck spotted in America’s Deep South could be the most gruesome wagon on the road .
With blue waves tumbling over them, these surfers glide underneath a tunnel of water .
A makeup artist from the West Midlands magically transforms herself into famous cartoon characters using body paint .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
SQUEEZING their furry faces through a hole in a tree, a trio of curious baby squirrels leave their nest for the first time to explore their surroundings .
A KITTEN'S teaparty and rat's playing dominoes are the bizarre creations by one of Britain's great eccentrics pictured in an incredible new book .
This cheeky macaque gets up close and personal as he examines the dental hygiene of his fellow primate .
A NINJA red squirrel cuts a dashing figure as the little fella jumps up to ten-feet between treetops in the Yorkshire Dales .