Memorium – Neil Cawthorne HSEA

Biography

Neil Cawthorne HSEA

We were sad to report that Neil passed away in 2022. He continued to exhibit his work at the Society’s Annual Exhibition for very many years.

Horses always played a large part in Neil’s life he rode and drew them for most of his life. At the same time he started to paint seriously he was hunting with the Quorn and Fernie and this constituted much of my early work. He was greatly assisted in those early days by John Kenney who also lived and worked in Leicestershire. Over the following five years he had several exhibitions and painted an increasing number of racing subjects.

In 1971 he was commissioned by the Sporting Life to paint ‘Mill Reef’ and ‘Brigadier Gerard’. In 1975 and 1976 he exhibited in America and London. He painted many Classic, Grand National and other big race winners. In 1979 he helped to found the Society of Equestrian Artists. Recently, amongst other work, he executed a commission of the Canal Turn at Aintree for Martell’s inaugural sponsorship of the Grand National and was one of four artists invited to paint a picture of Royal Ascot to commemorate the Queen’s Forty Years reign.

He produced paintings which were used for Christmas cards by the Spinal Injuries Association, the British Field Sports Society, the Animal Health Trust etc. Whilst most of his work was taken up by commissions, but he still found the inspiration of the Racecourse, Training Grounds and Hunting Field as strong as ever,concerned with conveying their movement, atmosphere and excitement. He always felt strongly that it was most most important to be involved at first hand with one’s subject and, as well as riding out regularly, he spent a great deal of time at stables generally which helped him to observe, absorb and ‘feel’ both the horses and the way of life. He held an Amateur Licence for some time and in the past owned a number of racehorses.

His paintings are in a number of Private Collections, including those of: HRH The Prince of Wales, Duke of Beaufort, Lord Harrington, Lord Vestey, P. Mellon, Esq, Bertram Firestone, Major Ivan Straker, Ivan Allen, Esq.,