As one of the greatest equine artists of all times, Sir Alfred J. Munnings, an Englishman (1878-1959), produced paintings of Thoroughbreds, horse fairs, huntsmen and hounds, and jockeys in silks.

They are widely admired for their elegance, vibrant colors, contrast of sunlight and shadow, and sense of movement and expectancy.

Also renowned for his English landscapes, Munnings depicted scenes of flowers, rivers, hills and colorfully costumed gypsies who roamed the countryside in horse-drawn caravans. As well as being an accomplished artist, he also sculptured and composed ballads and verse.

For a young Munnings, Suffolk was an idyllic place to grow up, its countryside adorned white with May blossom and ablaze with buttercups and daisies. And everywhere, there were horses.

“In those days there was a post on Sunday mornings, but no delivery. I often rode to Harleston, 21