First & Finest — A Sam Toft Exhibition Archive at The Braithwaite Gallery

First & Finest — A Sam Toft Exhibition at The Braithwaite Gallery

Remembering First & Finest

First & Finest was a Sam Toft exhibition held at The Braithwaite Gallery in York on Sunday 20th September 2026. This page remains as a permanent archive of a very special afternoon, bringing together Edition No. 1, Artist's Proof and Remarque prints — the rarest and most collectible editions from one of Britain's most beloved contemporary artists.

Sam joined us in person to meet collectors, sign prints and add personal touches to artwork inspired by printed photographs of customers' pets. It was a wonderful afternoon of artwork, conversation, wagging tails and very happy collectors.

Sam Toft outside The Braithwaite Gallery during the First & Finest event
Sam Toft outside The Braithwaite Gallery during the First & Finest event

Moments from the event

These photographs capture some of the people and moments that made First & Finest such a warm and memorable afternoon.

Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Canine fan at the First & Finest event
Another canine fan at the First & Finest event
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph
Sam Toft First & Finest exhibition event photograph
First & Finest event photograph

Want to see more? View the full First & Finest photo archive on our Facebook page.

About Sam Toft

Sam Toft's world is one of gentle humour, quiet companionship, and everyday joy. Her characters — often seen walking dogs, sharing picnics, or simply watching clouds — have captured the hearts of collectors across the UK and beyond. To own a Sam Toft print is to own a little piece of warmth.

What makes these prints special?

  • Edition No. 1 — The very first print from each edition run, the most sought-after number for serious collectors.
  • Artist's Proof (AP) — Traditionally reserved for the artist, these prints sit outside the main edition and carry a unique status and rarity.
  • Remarque — Each Remarque print features an original hand-drawn sketch by Sam Toft in the margin, making every single one a unique work of art.

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.

View the First & Finest collection →

The 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