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ID #SA1172416
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£15,000
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Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
for sale €17,550     $19,050
£15,000
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2021
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    Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles
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Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

19th century
Description

Victorian Equestrian Portrait – “Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)

Description

An exceptional and endearing early Victorian equestrian portrait painted by John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903), one of Britain’s foremost animal and sporting artists.

The work believed to depict the young Francis James Fry, aged about five, heir to the renowned Fry’s Chocolate dynasty, confidently seated upon his pony with his loyal dog by his side.

Painted in oil on canvas, the composition captures the grace and innocence of childhood privilege in rural England. The young rider, dressed smartly in a gentleman’s riding coat and black hat, gazes affectionately toward his dog, whose eager eyes and raised tongue convey life and devotion.

Set against a softly rendered autumnal landscape, with distant trees and muted skies, the painting radiates the warmth and refinement characteristic of British portraiture in the mid-19th century.

Artistic Merit

This work is a fine example of Wheeler’s command of anatomy, texture, and atmosphere, qualities that established his reputation among the leading equestrian painters of his era.

His delicate use of light and shadow enhances depth, while his sensitive brushwork brings realism to the pony’s coat and vitality to the surrounding landscape.

The emotional bond between child and animal imbues the composition with both tenderness and quiet dignity — hallmarks of Wheeler’s best work.

Historical Context – The Fry Family

The sitter, Francis James Fry (1835–1918), was the grandson of Joseph Storrs Fry, founder of J. S. Fry & Sons, the pioneering Bristol chocolate manufacturer.

Fry’s introduced the world’s first solid chocolate bar in 1847, followed by famous confections such as Fry’s Chocolate Cream (1866) and Fry’s Turkish Delight (1914). The firm stood alongside Cadbury and Rowntree as one of Britain’s “Big Three” confectionery houses.

Francis James Fry later became a prominent industrialist and civic figure, serving as Sheriff of Bristol (1887) and High Sheriff of Somerset (1906). His daughter, Norah Fry, became a leading advocate for social reform, honoured today through the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol.

This portrait, likely commissioned in the early 1840s, stands as a charming record of one of Britain’s most influential industrial families during the height of the Victorian era.

About the Artist

John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903), born in Gloucestershire, earned distinction as one of the 19th century’s foremost painters of horses, dogs, and rural sporting scenes.

A former soldier in the 2nd Queen’s Corps, Wheeler brought an intimate understanding of equine anatomy and temperament to his art.

His patrons included the Duke of Beaufort, Baron Rothschild, and the Duke of Westminster, and his works are held in important collections including Bath Guildhall, House of Dun, and Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

Today, Wheeler’s paintings remain highly collectible, with major examples achieving auction prices exceeding $45,000 USD.

Signature

Signed lower left by the artist, confirming authenticity.

Frame

Housed in a fine traditional gilt frame, probably restored or refitted by Mendip Framing of Rickford, Burrington (near Bristol) — a respected conservation workshop known for antique framing.

The frame’s warm gilded tones complement the painting beautifully and make it ready for immediate display.

Framed Dimensions

Height: 88 cm

Width: 74 cm

Depth: 5.5 cm

Provenance

Believed commissioned by the Fry family (founders of J. S. Fry & Sons) and passed down by family descent.

Later appeared in a fine art auction in the Shires (auction label verso).

Framed and conserved by Mendip Framing, Bristol (label verso).

Now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, United Kingdom.

A painting with excellent documented provenance, linking it directly to one of Britain’s mo

Physical Dimensions
Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
74cm (29.13")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Victorian Equestrian Oil Painting to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1172416
Dealers Internal Reference
733
Dealers Notes

Delivery shipping information

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.

We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.

Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.

We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.

For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.

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We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy

(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).

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Please feel free to call us.

We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.

Tel: 07494763382

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Phone or text: 0044 7494763382

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Our primary payment method is by (BACS) & International bank wire transfer, we can email you an invoice with our banking details upon request. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.

Customs Payment & Brexit

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.

Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.

If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.

Description
Victorian Equestrian Portrait – “Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)

Description

“
An exceptional and endearing early Victorian equestrian portrait painted by John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903), one of Britain’s foremost animal and sporting artists.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
fig 1. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 1. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

The work believed to depict the young Francis James Fry, aged about five, heir to the renowned Fry’s Chocolate dynasty, confidently seated upon his pony with his loyal dog by his side.

Painted in oil on canvas, the composition captures the grace and innocence of childhood privilege in rural England. The young rider, dressed smartly in a gentleman’s riding coat and black hat, gazes affectionately toward his dog, whose eager eyes and raised tongue convey life and devotion.

fig 2. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 2. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Set against a softly rendered autumnal landscape, with distant trees and muted skies, the painting radiates the warmth and refinement characteristic of British portraiture in the mid-19th century.

Artistic Merit

fig 3. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 3. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

This work is a fine example of Wheeler’s command of anatomy, texture, and atmosphere, qualities that established his reputation among the leading equestrian painters of his era.

His delicate use of light and shadow enhances depth, while his sensitive brushwork brings realism to the pony’s coat and vitality to the surrounding landscape.

fig 4. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 4. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

The emotional bond between child and animal imbues the composition with both tenderness and quiet dignity — hallmarks of Wheeler’s best work.

Historical Context – The Fry Family

The sitter, Francis James Fry (1835–1918), was the grandson of Joseph Storrs Fry, founder of J. S. Fry & Sons, the pioneering Bristol chocolate manufacturer.

fig 5. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 5. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Fry’s introduced the world’s first solid chocolate bar in 1847, followed by famous confections such as Fry’s Chocolate Cream (1866) and Fry’s Turkish Delight (1914). The firm stood alongside Cadbury and Rowntree as one of Britain’s “Big Three” confectionery houses.

fig 6. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 6. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Francis James Fry later became a prominent industrialist and civic figure, serving as Sheriff of Bristol (1887) and High Sheriff of Somerset (1906). His daughter, Norah Fry, became a leading advocate for social reform, honoured today through the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol.

fig 7. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 7. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

This portrait, likely commissioned in the early 1840s, stands as a charming record of one of Britain’s most influential industrial families during the height of the Victorian era.

About the Artist

John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903), born in Gloucestershire, earned distinction as one of the 19th century’s foremost painters of horses, dogs, and rural sporting scenes.

fig 8. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 8. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

A former soldier in the 2nd Queen’s Corps, Wheeler brought an intimate understanding of equine anatomy and temperament to his art.

His patrons included the Duke of Beaufort, Baron Rothschild, and the Duke of Westminster, and his works are held in important collections including Bath Guildhall, House of Dun, and Salford Museum & Art Gallery.

fig 9. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 9. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Today, Wheeler’s paintings remain highly collectible, with major examples achieving auction prices exceeding $45,000 USD.

Signature

Signed lower left by the artist, confirming authenticity.

Frame

Housed in a fine traditional gilt frame, probably restored or refitted by Mendip Framing of Rickford, Burrington (near Bristol) — a respected conservation workshop known for antique framing.

fig 10. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 10. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

The frame’s warm gilded tones complement the painting beautifully and make it ready for immediate display.

Framed Dimensions

Height: 88 cm

Width: 74 cm

Depth: 5.5 cm

Provenance

Believed commissioned by the Fry family (founders of J. S. Fry & Sons) and passed down by family descent.

fig 11. A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
fig 11. Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Later appeared in a fine art auction in the Shires (auction label verso).

Framed and conserved by Mendip Framing, Bristol (label verso).

Now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, United Kingdom.

A painting with excellent documented provenance, linking it directly to one of Britain’s mo

Height
88cm (34.65")
Width
74cm (29.13")
Depth
5.5cm (2.17")
Date of Manufacture

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Victorian Equestrian Oil Painting to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1172416
Dealers Internal Ref
733
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2021

Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Profile Page

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A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
1 / 24
Archive I A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.

Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler

Archive II A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View II
Archive III A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
Archive V A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View V
Archive VI A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View IX
Archive X A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View X
Archive XI A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XV
Archive XVI A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XVI
Archive XVII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XVII
Archive XVIII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XVIII
Archive XIX A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XIX
Archive XX A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XX
Archive XXI A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XXI
Archive XXII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XXII
Archive XXIII A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame. View XXIV
Enlarged Archival View
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Telephone 07494 763 382
Location
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom

By appointment
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/cheshireantiques
Verified Since Jan 2021
Items For Sale 247
Items Sold 217
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Verified Since Jan 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ, United Kingdom, , By appointment
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/cheshireantiques
Verified
Jan 2021
For Sale
247
Sold
217
A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
Victorian Equestrian Portrait – Young Francis James Fry on Pony with Dog” by John Alfred Wheeler
Ref: SA1172416
A Victorian oil painting depicting a young boy wearing a bowler hat seated on a grey pony alongside a red-brown dog in a rural field setting, housed in a gilt wooden frame.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 3
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Detail View 21
Detail View 22
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Victorian equestrian portraiture typically depicts subjects seated on horses or ponies within rural English landscapes, reflecting the eras appreciation for country pursuits, field sports, and personal livestock.

Artists in the 19th century applied oil paints to stretched linen or cotton canvas, using natural pigments bound in linseed oil, often presented in moulded wooden frames finished with gold leaf or plaster gesso.

Authentic period pieces display natural craquelure across the paint surface, historic canvas aging, period framing hardware, and painterly techniques consistent with documented artists of the era.

Position the artwork as a focal point above a mantelpiece or side cabinet in a space featuring warm wood tones, natural textiles, or classic upholstery to complement its traditional aesthetic.

Keep the painting away from direct sunlight, extreme humidity, and heat sources, removing dust gently with a soft, dry brush rather than liquid cleansers.
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