Sir Alfred J. Munnings, P.R.A.

Commissioned by James V. Rank, 1940
Mr J.D. Olding by 1956
Acquired by the present owner's family with the purchase of Druids Lodge

London Royal Academy, 1948, no. 212
London, Royal Academy, Munnings Retrospective Exhibition, 1956, no.104

Sir Alfred Munnings, The Finish, 1951, p.62, illustrated opp. p.65
A. Bury, British Racehorse, 1956, p.110, illustrated

STRUCTURE Original canvas. PAINT SURFACE The paint surface has been cleaned. There are also traces of the central vertical stretcher through the canvas. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals a few scattered spots of retouching to the central and right hand horse. FRAME Held in a 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."

In the early part of the 20th century, Druids Lodge was famous for successful betting coups.  Captain WE.B. Purefoy, Captain E. Forrester, Mr A.P. Cunliffe, and Mr E.A. Wigan, known as the 'Confederacy' employed Jack Fallon as their trainer who merely executed the owner's instructions.

In 1934, James V. Rank bought the famous Druids Lodge on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire and installed Noel Cannon as his private trainer.  Four years later Rank won the St. Leger with Scottish Union and in 1943, he won the New Oaks with Why Hurry.  In 1940 he commissioned Munnings to paint a number of portraits of his favourite horses which he bred and raced.  This is one of Munnings larger paintings and the composition is strongly influenced by the works of John Frederick Herring Snr. and John Ferneley Snr.

Southern Hero, sired by Bachelor's Jap out of Torpedo was a very successful steeplechaser and won the Scottish Grand National on three occasions.  Black Speck,  sired by Black Watch out of Little Mark won fourteen of forty four starts including the Coventry Stakes at Ascot, the Newbury Summer Cup, and the Liverpool Autumn Cup, as well as the Spring Cup twice.  Knight's Armour, sired by Sir Cosmo out of Fario, won six races in his second season and won three out of four starts the following year including the Fern Hill Stakes at Royal Ascot.