Lot 23
  • 23

Harry Hall

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Harry Hall
  • Lord Poulett's celebrated racehorse The Lamb with George Ede up
  • signed and dated l.r.: Harry Hall/ 1868
  • oil on canvas
  • 109 by 142cm., 43 by 56in.

Provenance

Commissioned by Lord Poulett
Sale, Sotheby's London, 18th February 1970, lot 20 (sold as The Pretender)
Sale, Sotheby's London, 20th November 1985, lot 145

Literature

T.H. Bird, One Hundred Grand Nationals, 1937, pp.83-85, illustrated
Charles Lane, Harry Hall's Classic Winners, 1990, p.86, illustrated after p.84

Condition

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good, overall condition; clean and ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals old retouching to frame abrasions, in particular along the upper edge, a few scattered, cosmetic spots of retouching in the sky and to the horse, otherwise good original condition. FRAME Held in a fine, plaster gilt frame in fair condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The Lamb, an Irish bred horse reared in County Limerick, was measured at only fifteen hands and two inches when he first won the Grand National for Lord Poulett in 1868, beating Pearl Diver in a close fought race.  Lord Poulett, who acquired him from Mr Joseph Doyle of Dublin the preceeding year, was a godson of William IV and renowned as the most famous amateur sportsman of the day.  His jockey, George Ede, Eton educated and the son of a wealthy Hampshire landowner, was considered the most accomplished amateur rider of his time, and riding under the alias of 'Mr Edwards' formed a highly successful partnership with Lord Poulett.  Ede was tragically killed at The Chair, Aintree but The Lamb went on to win the Grand National for a second time in 1871 with Tom Pickernell up.  Subsequently purchased by the German Baron Oppenheim, he broke a leg the following year at Baden Baden, and had to be destroyed.