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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD
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dwardian Equestrian Watercolour
John Edwin Noble (1876–1941)
“Pretty Polly, First Place Prize Winning Champion Grey Show Horse Mare with Groom, 22 August 1908”
Description
An original signed and dated Edwardian watercolour by John Edwin Noble, depicting Pretty Polly, a celebrated grey show mare who won multiple prizes at the 1908 Hertfordshire County Show.
The composition presents Pretty Polly in a dignified three-quarter stance, her silvery coat painted with luminous washes of watercolour. Two vivid rosettes — crimson (1st prize) and cobalt (2nd prize) — adorn her bridle, marking her success. Beside her stands her groom, dressed in authentic Edwardian attire of breeches, gaiters, boots, waistcoat, and flat cap. Research suggests he may be connected with the Smith-Dorrien family of Berkhamsted, well-known landowners and equestrian patrons of the period.
The painting bears the full inscribed title:
“Pretty Polly, First Place Prize Winning Champion Grey Mare Show Horse with Groom Up of Smith-Dorriens of Berkhamsted, 22 August 1908.”
Historical Context
The Hertfordshire County Show was among the region’s most prestigious events, combining livestock exhibitions with equestrian competitions. By 1908 it had become a highlight of the social calendar, attracting landowners, hunt members, and gentry. The Smith-Dorrien family, closely associated with the Hertfordshire and Old Berkeley Hunts, were regular competitors.
Within this context, Pretty Polly’s achievements were significant, her victories making her a celebrated figure — and Noble’s watercolour a record of both sporting triumph and Edwardian culture.
Artist & Technique
John Edwin Noble, son of sporting painter John Sargent Noble, trained at the Slade, Lambeth, and Royal Academy Schools. Renowned for his equestrian and animal studies, he exhibited widely at the Royal Academy, Royal Scottish Academy, and Fine Art Society. During the First World War, he served as an Official War Artist with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, producing poignant depictions of horses and mules at the front.
Noble’s style balances precision and sensitivity. In Pretty Polly, delicate brushwork defines anatomy, while broader washes evoke atmosphere. The glowing coat of the mare contrasts with the earthy tones of the groom, achieving both harmony and narrative dignity.
Signed lower right: “J.E. Noble, 22/VIII/08.”
Frame & Presentation
Mounted in a newly commissioned gilt reverse-profile frame with gold-leaf finish
Ivory mount with fine gold border
Glazed with museum-grade AR70 anti-reflective, UV-protective glass
Framed dimensions: 54 × 54 × 3 cm
Provenance
Culverhouse & Son, Hemel Hempstead
Dorset auction
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Exhibited at Middle Shire Museum
Condition
Very good condition. Colours remain bright and unfaded with only light, age-appropriate toning. Professionally conserved and presented, ensuring long-term preservation and immediate display quality.
Significance
Rare dated equestrian watercolour of a named champion mare
Strong historical resonance with Hertfordshire’s county show tradition
Groom likely tied to the Smith-Dorrien family of Berkhamsted
Signed by a respected Edwardian equestrian painter
Supported by solid provenance and museum exhibition history
Presented in conservation-standard frame with AR70 glazing
Shipping
Worldwide delivery available. Professionally packed, fully insured.
Collector’s Note
This work captures not only the elegance of a champion Edwardian mare but also the cultural fabric of county show life. A rare fusion of sporting history and fine art, it offers both aesthetic beauty and documentary value for collectors of equestrian and Edwardian subjects.
- Period: 1908
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- Price: £5,000.00
- €5,723 Euro
- $6,725 US Dollar
- Location: London
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- Dimensions: H: 54cm (21.26in)
- W: 54cm (21.26in)
- D: 3cm (1.18in)
