First & Finest was a Sam Toft exhibition held at The Braithwaite Gallery in York on Sunday 20th September 2026. This collection remains as a permanent archive of the event and the rarest, most collectible Sam Toft editions assembled for it.
Each piece in this collection is unique. The Gallery Remarques feature an original illustration hand-drawn by Sam Toft in the white border of the print — no two are the same. The Artist's Proofs and Edition No. 1 prints are the most sought-after impressions from their respective editions, individually signed and numbered by Sam.
Remembering First & Finest
The exhibition brought together a special selection of Sam's Edition No. 1 prints, Artist's Proofs and Gallery Remarques. Visitors were able to enjoy the artwork at the gallery, meet Sam Toft in person, have her sign their pieces and, where appropriate, add a personal touch inspired by a printed photograph of their pets.
First & Finest in photographs
These photographs capture the warmth of the day — Sam adding personal remarques, happy collectors with Sam and their unique pieces, and the canine fans who came along to have their portraits drawn.
Want to see more? View the full First & Finest photo archive on our Facebook page.
Our nine-week Gallery Remarque series
In the nine weeks leading up to the exhibition, we released one exclusive Gallery Remarque each week online. Each release featured a unique, hand-drawn original by Sam Toft in the border of a limited edition print. It was a special series, and we were genuinely blown away by the warm and enthusiastic response from Sam's collectors. Thank you to everyone who supported it — your excitement made it such a lovely part of the First & Finest story.
The charity draw and The Jordan Legacy
Following PAPYRUS entering administration in September 2026, the good cause for the exhibition draw changed to The Jordan Legacy. The draw supported collaborative suicide-prevention projects through One Voice One Hope.
The draw is now closed, and we’re delighted to announce that Maureen from Scotland won the remarqued edition of A Big Old Squish!. The event raised more than £1,600 in support of The Jordan Legacy and its collaborative suicide-prevention work through One Voice One Hope. A huge congratulations to Maureen, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who entered, donated and helped make the First & Finest event such a warm and memorable occasion.
Between 2023 and 2026, our PAPYRUS fundraising projects raised a final total of £18,984, which was donated via JustGiving. We are grateful to the artists and customers whose generosity made that support possible. PAPYRUS provided a vital resource for young people at risk of suicide, and its fundraising pages are no longer publicly visible.
© Sam Toft
