Autumn is anything but ordinary at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket…
Following on from the modern art exhibition which saw the world-renowned Banksy’s work at the National Horse Racing Museum, this autumn they are continuing to showcase an array of exciting exhibitions, alongside a variety of events for the whole family.
On now and up until 25th February 2024 is the first major retrospective exhibition of works by the artist Lucy Kemp-Welch (1969-1958) entitled In her own voice: The art of Lucy Kemp-Welch (1869-1958).
Lucy Kemp-Welch is one of Britain’s best-known equine, female artists. Over a long and successful career spanning the first half of the 20th century she became a leading painter of horses, famous for her illustrations for Black Beauty and sensitive portrayals of horses at work. Her pictures are informed by her expertise as a horsewoman and love for her equine subjects.
The National Horse Racing Museum has partnered with the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum to organise the exhibition of her works since the artist’s death. Curated by art historian David Boyd Haycock, the exhibition will focus on key works and moments in Kemp-Welch’s illustrious career and the influence of Hubert von Herkomer’s teaching at his school in Bushey.
This exhibition has been made possible with a grant from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and will feature works from national and regional museums, including the Imperial War Museum, Bushey Museum and Southampton City Art Gallery. The exhibition will coincide with the launch of David Boyd Haycock’s new biography of the artist The Life and Work of Lucy Kemp-Welch, Painter of Horses.
The exhibition has been generously sponsored by the EBM Charitable Trust.
Whilst visiting the Museum, located in the centre of the historic town of Newmarket, visitors still can view The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: The Coronation Year Exhibition, which is in situ until 17th November 2023. This fascinating exhibition is by photographic artist, Ripley, who has created twelve large-scale portraits of the Household Cavalry. The stunning imagery features soldiers from The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals mounted on their horses and posed on buildings throughout London, overlooking the capital from Trafalgar Square to Canary Wharf.
A boxed-set of these twelve portraits was the official Coronation Present to His Majesty King Charles III from his Household Cavalry.
The Museum gift shop is where you will find a range of prints associated with the Ripley exhibition, alongside a variety of seasonal gifts and books and is worth a visit in its own right.
Throughout the season there are a range of events taking place at the Museum, from drawing classes to plays, all of which can be viewed at https://www.nhrm.co.uk/whats-on-events-and-exhibitions/
Additionally, and definitely not to be missed, is a visit to the award-winning Tack Room Restaurant situated within the Museum. The Restaurant is open during Museum opening times, later on a Friday and Saturday, and is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal, where they try as much as possible to source locally for their menu.
Find out more about your visit on the National Horse Racing Museum website.