Sir Alfred Munnings - The Drum Horse

This remarkable painting, by one of the world’s great equestrian artists, is a magnificent image of British military tradition.

Clad in splendid regimental dress, the kettledrummer looks out from his position atop the powerful yet placid drumhorse, while the imposing parade ground provides a glorious backdrop.

Alfred Munnings had wooed his wife Violet by repeatedly asking her to sit for him, having been impressed by her riding at the Richmond Horse Show. She spurned his offer each time, until encouraged to accept by the wealthy Sir George Holford; they were duly married in 1920. It was therefore perhaps in a spirit of gratitude that Munnings accepted this commission from Holford, who had been Colonel of the Life Guards’ 1st Battalion since 1908.

Holford was keen to procure a painting of the regimental drum horse and acted on his own recommendation in commissioning Munnings. He was delighted with the result, which also portrayed the kettledrummer at the time, one G. Carter. Holford presented the painting to the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, and it hangs in the officers’ mess at Knightsbridge Barracks to this day.

Goutelette print on paper.

Standard print - Paper Size: 13 x 12 ins / 33 x 29 cm
Image Size: 10 x 10 ins / 25 x 24 cm

Large print - Paper size 22 x 21 ins / 56 x 52 cm
Image Size: 18 x 16 ins / 48 x 42 cm

Image is copyright Felix Rosenstiel's Widow and Son. No reproduction without permission.