coziest tea

https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/263603; commissioned 1997
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Who is Marjorie Fox?  The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa commissioned this supremely adorable woolen tea cozy from her in 1997.  I wanted to see if she had created more fiber artwork, but not a fiber more can I find.  At least this one exists for our admiration:  a sheep bearing a washing-line full of clothing.  Ah, yes, you say to yourself as you pour a hot cuppa, a fleecy fellow creature makes the wool that keeps me and my tea warm.  Remember to say thank you.

a saint bernard for showing off

Rug - Saint Bernard dog, circa 1885, Wellington, by Mary Hannah Tyer.
Bequest of Mrs Mary H. Quin, 1956. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Te Papa (PC000250/1)

Be sure to click on the image above and see if you can get a better look at this rug.  Meticulously crafted in 1885, it has a high level of detail - the dog even has a glass bead for its eye.  You won't be surprised that this lovely object was called out for special praise at the 1885 New Zealand Industrial Exhibition.  You may be surprised that this was crafted by a teenager: 15-year-old Mary Tyer.
There's an interesting larger history about this rug; its creation was encouraged by a government that believed in the creativity of New Zealanders both inside and outside the home.  Read an enjoyable essay on Mary, her rug, and the Industrial Exhibition at Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand) here.

you've heard about the cavy cop?

thanks british library (PD)

You're cruising through the Wellington area of New Zealand.  School's in session, so watch your speed:  if you go too fast you'll have to answer to Constable Elliot.  If you get caught, remember it's all right if you don't look him in the eyes, since that would require you getting down flat on the ground.  You see, officer Elliot is a guinea pig.
Mind you, this isn't a completely brand new concept.  Over at Cambridge's Ethology Institute you can sign up for scent-detection animal handler training at Guinea Pig Camp.

vintage wednesday

Cat, by Leslie Adkin. Te Papa (A.008890) - No copyright restrictions known

I'll shortly have some more finds for Wordless Vintage Wednesday.  Till then, how about this fabulous cat snap (undated) by Leslie Adkin from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa?  Upon investigation, George Leslie Adkin turns out to have been a self-taught powerhouse of an archaeologist and ethnologist.  Read about him (it's inspiring) here.