Samuel Hood exhibition at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station features images showing the role of pets at sea

The role of animals at sea is the subject of an exhibition at Albany’s Historic Whaling Station which opened on July 1.

The display is a touring exhibition which features a collection of photographs from renowned early 20th-century snapper Samuel Hood.

The images capture sailors along with their furry companions, from cats and dogs to other shipboard pets.

Hood, who was born in 1872, started as a portrait and wedding photographer but supplemented his income by selling pictures of ships to their crew when they arrived in Sydney.

Many of the negatives of these images are held by the Australian National Maritime Museum.

A trailblazer, Hood later expanded his business into press photography, becoming well known for capturing sensational, trivial and sporting moments.

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can also take part in show Us Your Shipmates, where guests can upload a photo of their own pet to be displayed alongside the historic items.

The Hood collection was developed by the National Maritime Museum and is a touring exhibition which runs at the whaling station until September 30.

Another of the activities which form part of the whaling station’s contribution to the Albany Maritime Festival is Serena McLauchlan’s Paws At Sea which invites creative youngsters to make a seafaring companion in her miniature felt workshop.

Also on the agenda is Stowaway Hide and Seek, a site-wide treasure hunt for hidden mice.