Set of Four Horse Drawings

Set of four horse sketches by Brigadier-General Alfred Crowdy Lovett CBE (1862–27 May 1919) on rare woven stamped paper and signature visible on one of the sketches. They are mounted in fairly basic frames. Hew was a British military artist known for his illustrations of military uniforms in British India. His work included watercolours and chromolithographs that depicted the uniforms of the British Army during the colonial era. His art serves as a historical record of military attire from that period.

Alfred Crowdy Lovett was born in 1862 to James C. Lovett, a senior postal department official, and Ellen H. Lovett. He was raised in Croydon, London. Lovett exhibited an early talent for art, securing third place in a competition run by The Boy's Own Paper, a well-known British magazine.

Lovett joined the Gloucestershire Regiment in 1882. His service included postings in Karachi and western India, where he lived in Poona, Ahmednagar, and Bombay from 1883 to 1893. Following this period, Lovett participated in a military campaign in Aden and later returned to England to work as a military instructor. Around 1901–1902, Lovett resumed active service and played a significant role in several early campaigns of World War I, notably at Mons and Ypres on the French-Belgian border. He became the commanding officer of the 1st Gloucesters in 1911. During World War I, he led his regiment in key engagements, such as the battles of Aisne and the First Battle of Ypres. He took command of the 3rd Brigade during the Battle of Gheluvelt after the two divisional commanders were wounded. For his service in 1914, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). Following the war, he commanded the East Lancashire Reserve Division (Territorial Force) from 1916 until his death in 1919.

Throughout his military service, he maintained his passion for art, focusing on soldiers and military uniforms. His work included depictions of civilians in India and was frequently featured in Royal Academy exhibitions. His art gained significant acclaim for its intricate detail and historical representation, making him a notable figure in Military art.

Despite he rise of military photography following the Crimean War (1853–1854), which introduced a more realistic portrayal of war, Lovett's paintings continued to reflect the ceremonial and traditional aspects of military life.

Dimensions - 55 x 75 cm (drawing 40 x 60 cm)