Sporting Art. Note 1

This is the first of occasional Sporting Art Notes (Note 1) blog, and therefore experimental. Apart from what I have written in my profile, one of the purposes of future blogs is to keep in touch with anybody interested in sporting painting, prints or artists (mainly British). There will be questions, comments and the dissemination of unpublished material - and I hope some feedback. The final direction remains to be seen. A few with similar interests may recognize the writer, but I would prefer to keep it impersonal.

Have just attended a two-day meeting arranged by the British Sporting Art Trust near Matlock, Derbyshire. This was orientated towards carriage and coaches, their painters and drivers (whip, is the correct term, I am told). The first afternoon comprised four short talks on the artists James Pollard, Charles Cooper Henderson and Lynwood Palmer (th most prominent and successful of 'coaching artists'), and on the history of carriages and coaching in Ireland. There was also a short quiz on a number of coaching artifacts ranging from 18th C. bits and bridles to copper footwarmers: the winner scored 17 out of 20 which was good going. In the evening there was a dinner followed by an entertaining description of the work of the Royal Mews by the recently retired head coachman. The following day we visited the fascinating Red House Stables Carriage Museum at Darley Dale followed by a coach ride to Chatsworth. The weather was kind and the two days very enjoyable. For future sporting art visits cross-reference to the British Sporting Art Trust website.

I hope it will be possible to see the restored painting of what appeared to be a roan horse (perhaps that was just the stained varnish) by George Stubbs recently sold for a modest £44,000, due to its sad condition. Dated 1786, this was quite an early work. Given time, restorers can work wonders, but I hope it does not become too shining bright!