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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Large Victorian Sporting Painting
The Quorn Hunt – “Hare Seeds Gentlemen!”
Basil Nightingale, signed and dated 1895
A striking late Victorian sporting watercolour depicting the Quorn Hunt, widely regarded as the most prestigious hunt in England. This large-scale and highly decorative work combines strong narrative detail with excellent equestrian draughtsmanship, making it both a collector’s piece and a commanding interior statement.
Description
This finely executed painting shows a mounted huntsman sounding his horn while seated on a powerful grey hunter, set within open Leicestershire pasture. The inscription “Hare Seeds Gentlemen! Hare seeds!” refers to a traditional hunting call, indicating the hounds have briefly taken the scent of a hare rather than a fox.
The composition is balanced and confident, with the rider placed centrally to emphasise authority and control. The horse is depicted in collected movement, with a lifted foreleg and convincing anatomical structure.
Executed in watercolour with gouache and heightened white, the work has both luminosity and depth, with crisp detail in the tack and strong modelling across the horse and figure. The restrained ground allows the vivid scarlet coat to stand out, giving the piece immediate visual impact.
Subject
The figure is believed to represent Tom Firr (1847–1910), the celebrated professional huntsman of the Quorn. Known for his exceptional command of hounds and technical horsemanship, Firr was one of the defining figures of late Victorian hunting culture.
The grey horse closely aligns with his well-known mount Whitelegs, frequently depicted in contemporary sporting imagery. The pose, horn position and central placement are consistent with traditional representations of the professional huntsman rather than a gentleman rider.
Artist
Basil Nightingale was a British painter and illustrator active in the late 19th century, specialising in sporting, equestrian and military subjects.
His work is characterised by:
Strong understanding of equine anatomy
Clear, structured compositions
A restrained and observational approach
He contributed to publications such as The Graphic and The Illustrated London News and exhibited in London. His sporting works remain sought after, particularly those connected to recognised hunts and figures.
Signed and dated lower right: Basil Nightingale, 1895.
Scale and Presence
With a framed width approaching one metre, this is an unusually large work on paper with strong wall presence.
Ideal for:
Libraries and studies
Country houses and equestrian interiors
Sporting or traditional decorative schemes
The combination of scale, colour and subject matter gives the painting significant decorative authority.
Frame
Recently professionally reframed in a gilt moulding with ivory mount and gold slip.
Glazed with Artglass AR70 museum glass, offering reduced reflection and UV protection while maintaining clarity and colour definition.
Dimensions
Sheet: approximately 47 cm x 66 cm
Framed: 99 cm wide x 80.5 cm high x 4.5 cm deep
Provenance
Private Collection, United Kingdom
Mellors & Kirk, Nottingham, Fine Art & Antiques Sale, December 2025
Eastern Shire Antiques Dealers Collection
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum
Condition
In good overall condition.
Colours remain strong and well preserved
Minor horizontal handling crease across the upper area, now flattened
Recently reframed using conservation materials
Frame and glazing clean and in excellent order
A full condition report is available on request.
Decorative Appeal
This is a highly versatile sporting painting combining historical subject matter with strong decorative impact. The bold scarlet coat, grey horse and open landscape palette allow it to sit comfortably within both traditional and contemporary interiors.
A particularly good example for collectors of British sporting art or for designers seeking a statement piece with narrative and presence.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured.

  • Period: c1895
    • Price: £15,000.00
    • €17,367 Euro
    • $19,989 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 80.5cm (31.69in)
    • W: 99cm (38.98in)
    • D: 4.5cm (1.77in)