Last chance to see Whistlejacket in city

5:20pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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TOURISTS and York residents have their last chance this week to see one of the world’s most famous horse paintings, in the city that made its subject famous.

Whistlejacket, by George Stubbs, has been the centre piece of this summer’s exhibition at York Art Gallery, entitled Stubbs And Whistlejacket in York.

But after this weekend, the work will move on to Leeds, where it will feature in another exhibition.

The work was loaned to York by the National Gallery, to coincide with the racing season at Knavesmire, where Whistlejacket won his most famous victory, in the 2,000 Guineas in 1759.

Stubbs lived in York for many years, and married in the city. The exhibition has included works that portray York and the racecourse as it would have been in the time Stubbs lived there, and has seen works from across the country brought together to highlight the role York played in both the lives of Stubbs and Whistlejacket.

Laura Turner, curator of art, said: “It has been incredible to have such a famous painting here in the city where there is a strong historical connection to both the horse and artist.

“It is such a show-stopping piece and visitors have been amazed by the size and incredible detail of it. We hope that those who have not got round to seeing it yet will get the chance to visit the gallery before it leaves.”

Meanwhile, the success of the Stubbs exhibition has led to another prized donation being made to the gallery.

An etching by James Bretherton of a Thomas Orde-Powlett study, in 1773 to 1775, shows Stubbs at work. It was given to the gallery by Peter Miller, chairman of the Friends of York Art Gallery.

Ms Turner said: “We’re delighted that this work has been donated to the gallery. It will join York Art Gallery’s substantial collection of works on paper and is a wonderful addition which shows the artist, George Stubbs who lived and worked in York from 1746.”