Lot 131: Harry Hall , British 1814-1882 the Marquess of Hasting's bay colt Lecturer oil on canvas

signed H. Hall dated 1867 (lower right) and inscribed Lecturer (lower left) oil on canvas

measurements 28 by 36in. alternate measurements 71 by 91.5 cm

Private Collection, England

Harry Hall was one of the most successful and prolific horse painters of the mid-nineteenth century, with a style considerably more modern than many of his contemporaries. He was born in Cambridge and entered the racing world working for Tattersalls where he contributed to British Racehorses and The Sporting Review. He gained further exposure through the media becoming chief artist for The Field and contributing racing subjects for the London News. Unsurprisingly, Hall moved from London to Newmarket where he remained for the rest of his life painting some of the finest racehorses of the age. Lecturer was a bay colt foaled in 1863 by Colsterdale out of Algebra. Running for Mr Alfred Day he enjoyed little success as a two year old and was sold to the Marquess of Hastings. His form improved dramatically winning the New Plate, the Free Handicap and the Cesarewitch at Newmarket, as well as the County members plate at Bath. His most successful year was undoubtedly 1867 where he triumphed in a Queen's Plate at Northampton, the Gold Cup and the Alexandra Plate at Royal Ascot, the Hurstbourne Cup at Stockbridge and the Stamford Cup.