Melton, a Bay Racehorse, with Fred Archer (1857 - 1886) up
F. S. Evans (fl.1885)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1885 (signed and dated)
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
630 x 635 mm (26 x 35 in)
Order this imageCollection
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
NT 1276782
Caption
The horse was owned by George, 20th Lord Hastings, whose stable was at Melton Constable, their Norfolk estate. The Times reported Melton’s wine at the 1885 Derby: “Further and further did Paradox draw away, and his victory seemed well assured until Melton coming with a run, drew into second place. Inch by inch Melton crept up, and despite Archer’s most strenuous endeavours, the bell was reached ere Lord Hastings’ colt could get on terms. In the short run home from this point a truly magnificent race resulted, and as Melton and Paradox answered gamely to every call that was made upon them the finish was so close that until Melton’s number was hoisted no one could say with certainty which was the winner.” The horse was ridden by the greatest jockey of the age, Fred Archer, who committed suicide the following year.
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Melton, a Bay Racehorse, with Fred Archer up, by F. S. Evans, signed bottom right: F S EVANS / 1885.
Full description
The horse was owned by George, 20th Lord Hastings, whose racing interests operated from Melton Constable. The Times reported Melton’s wine at the 1885 Derby: “Further and further did Paradox draw away, and his victory seemed well assured until Melton coming with a run, drew into second place. Inch by inch Melton crept up, and despite Archer’s most strenuous endeavours, the bell was reached ere Lord Hastings’ colt could get on terms. In the short run home from this point a truly magnificent race resulted, and as Melton and Paradox answered gamely to every call that was made upon them the finish was so close that until Melton’s number was hoisted no one could say with certainty which was the winner.” The horse was ridden by the greatest jockey of the age, Fred Archer, who committed suicide the following year.
Provenance
accepted in lieu of tax by H.M. Treasury and transferred to the National Trust in 2009.
Marks and inscriptions
Bottom right: F S EVANS / 1885
Makers and roles
F. S. Evans (fl.1885), artist