Free museum exhibition to celebrate equine art

A new and free exhibition is due to launch, celebrating equine art in a town famed for its horse racing.

The exhibition, titled We Give You The Horse, will run at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, Suffolk, from 29 April to 21 May.

It will showcase paintings and sculptures by leading members of the Society of Equestrian Artists, and visitors will also have opportunities to buy the works.

Anthea Wood, chair of the society, said the museum had played a vital role in promoting equestrian art.

"We are thrilled to bring this exhibition to the exceptional National Horseracing Museum, which, alongside the British Sporting Art Trust at Palace House, plays such an important role in promoting equestrian art," she said.

"As someone originally from Newmarket, it's always a pleasure to return and visit the Museum and Palace House."

Tracey Harding, chief operating officer of the museum, added she was "delighted" to host the exhibition.

"This exhibition offers a fantastic opportunity to experience outstanding equine art as well as take part in a range of creative activities," she said.

Newmarket is considered the historic home of horse racing and is also home to the country's only stud yard that is open to the public.

The exhibition is being held in the Moller Gallery, and visitors will also have the chance to see an original artwork by Sir Alfred Munnings, on loan from the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham, Essex.

Sir Alfred (1878-1959), born at Mendham Hill in Suffolk, is considered to be one of the country's best equine painters, and he went on to be the president of the Royal Academy of Arts from 1944 until 1949.

The exhibition in Newmarket will also have a programme of art masterclasses, painting demonstrations and several workshops.

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