Equestrian artist Jeremy Houghton has observed the life of Windsor Castle through the eyes of a horse for a new exhibition next month (15-20 October).
Mr Houghton has spent the past six months as artist in residence at Windsor Castle.
“I went straight into the Royal Mews because I felt the horses portrayed the private and public lives of the Royal family and castle life,” he told H&H.
All aspects of equine life from the procession of horses at Royal Ascot, to Royal Windsor Horse Show and Guards Polo at Smith’s Lawn are depicted in the 40 works on show.
The equestrian military life was captured at this year’s Windsor Horse show where there were 100 horses from the Kings Troop all stabled under one roof, complete with all the guns and carriages.
The sight “was reminiscent of a scene from 1914” said the artist.
“In the equestrian sporting and military calendars you’ve got a wonderful vision of how Windsor is very much the epicentre of equestrian life,” he added.
The Horse Trust which cares for retired military horses is the benefactor charity of the exhibition.
The charity’s patron Princess Anne writing in the foreword to the catalogue said the centenary of WW1 “has highlighted the vital role and sacrifice horses have made both on and off the battlefield, and how the highest standards of animal welfare have been provided by the compassion and professionalism of The Horse Trust since 1886.”
The exhibition opens at the Osborne Studio Gallery, London, on 15 October.
