Newmarket artist Nichola Eddery launches London exhibition

Nichola Eddery, who is artist in residence at the National Horseracing Museum, is showcasing 25 of her original works at Osborne Studio Gallery in London.

The exhibition, which opens on June 16, is called ‘Silks, Horses and Hounds’ and runs until July 5.

The artworks are inspired by classical sculpture, her family’s history in racing, and past sporting artists.

Ms Eddery is descended from a family of jockeys and trainers, including her father, former champion jockey Pat Eddery.

The Sport of Kings and Queens, by Nichola Eddery, has jockey James Doyle wearing the Royal colours he carried to victory on Tactical in 2020, the last Royal Ascot victory for Queen Elizabeth II. (Image: Supplied) She has been an artist in residence at the museum for 18 months, which she said has been “an amazing experience”.

She said: “You could not ask for a better studio; its view onto the Rothschild Yard is heavenly and then you’ve got Palace House and its incredible collection.

“Being in Newmarket, I became even more aware of my family’s own history and I was inspired to start painting the jockeys and silks series.”

The artist took inspiration from Hellenistic sculptures.

She added: “The series of jockeys in their silks was inspired by Hellenistic sculptures, such as the Parthenon sculptures at the British Museum.

“Although the pieces are fragmented and often part of a wider design, they are beautiful in their own right, and that’s where I got the idea to paint the jockeys without the horses.”

Noble Hunter, by Nichola Eddery. (Image: Supplied) The exhibition also features a series of paintings of sighthounds.

She said: “These paintings were inspired by Edwin Landseer’s work, who captured dogs so beautifully, and they are a slight departure as I had previously only exhibited a couple of narrative compositions featuring dogs.

“However, as they were well received, I wanted to explore doing more and I think you can still recognise my style in the new pieces.”