Brochure - The Bolingbroke Stubbs Racing Pictures, mid 20th Century

Brochure entitled 'THE BOLINGBROKE STUBBS RACING PICTURES' produced for art dealers Ellis & Smith of Grafton Street London.

The introduction contains historical information about the artist George Stubbs and describes the two paintings being presented for sale as in 'immaculate condition' and 'most sympathetically relined and cleaned by the hands of an expert'.

The paintings of the famous Derby winner 'Gimcrack', and the notable 'Turf', were commissioned by Frederick, 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke in 1765. The careers of both horses are detailed, presumably so the pictures might appeal to wealthy members of the racing fraternity. The prospectus claims the paintings are 'masterpieces... and worthy to be hung in the most exalted company of British and Continental painting'; an indisputable fact today.

Both pictures had previously been sold by Vernon St.John, 6th Viscount Bolingbroke, at an auction held by by Christie, Manson and Woods in December 1943. Further investigation is required to discover whether the pictures were purchased by Ellis & Smith at that sale, but it seems likely as the brochure describes the paintings as being previously untouched.

The brochure belonged to Vernon 6th Viscount Bolingbroke and was generously gifted to The Friends of Lydiard Park by a former friend of his, Anne Barr, in 2023.