Valentine Thomas Garland was a painter of animals who lived in Winchester and London. He exhibited 24 works at the Royal Academy from 1868, as well as exhibiting at Suffolk Street and the New Watercolour Society.
Valentine Thomas was the son of Henry Thomas Garland of Winchester, working in both oil and watercolour, although he is best known for his oils. Grave's dictionary also lists a T. Valentine and a T.W. Garland - these are both probably mistakes for Valentine Thomas.
Garland’s paintings of animals hold an emotional appeal for a wide audience and thus his work was popular from the outset. His paintings, in particular his dog pictures, tell a story with such feeling that the viewer is captivated immediately.