Lionel Ellis Mid Century British Equestrian Horse Oil Painting

Attributed Lionel Ellis British Equestrian Horse Oil Painting c.1950-60

A characterful mid-20th-century British equestrian oil painting attributed to Lionel Ellis (1903-1988), depicting a mature chestnut or reddish-bay hunter-type horse standing before a traditional timber stable.

Highlights

- Attributed to Lionel Ellis (1903-1988)

- British, circa 1950-1960

- Oil on canvas

- Chestnut or reddish-bay hunter-type horse

- Rustic timber stable setting

- Modern British characteristics

- Historic inscription verso naming Lionel Ellis

- Reportedly purchased directly from the artist in 1974

- Cooper and Cowill provenance recorded verso

- Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers, 2026, Lot 329

- Privately loaned and exhibited with The Famous Lord Hill Museum, 2026

- Gilt frame

Catalogue Note

The horse stands almost entirely in profile against weathered timber stable doors. Its warm chestnut colouring contrasts with the subdued browns, ochres and greys of the surrounding architecture.

The simplified stable forms, restrained palette and economical handling give the work a distinctly twentieth-century character while retaining its connection with the traditional British equestrian and sporting art tradition.

The animal appears to be a mature hunter-type riding horse. Its exact breed, sex and individual identity have not presently been established. The location of the stable is also unknown.

A date of circa 1950-1960 is proposed on stylistic and comparative grounds.

About the Artist

Lionel Ellis (1903-1988) was a British painter, printmaker and teacher born in Plymouth. He studied at Plymouth School of Art and the Royal College of Art, with further artistic study in Paris and Italy.

Ellis later taught painting at Wimbledon School of Art from 1937 until 1968. His work included portraits, landscapes, flowers, figures and equestrian subjects.

Verso Inscription

The historic stretcher inscription reads:

THE HORSE

BY LIONEL ELLIS

PURCHASED FROM

THE ARTIST BY V. H. COOPER 1974

A further inscription records:

PURCHASED BY D. COWILL 30/5/2012

FROM MRS P. M. COOPER

A family dedication also records presentation to Steven on his 52nd birthday, 19 June 2012, from his parents.

These inscriptions provide valuable traditional provenance. No separate receipt or correspondence confirming the reported 1974 transaction has presently been identified. The painting is therefore conservatively catalogued as Attributed to Lionel Ellis.

Provenance

V. H. Cooper, reportedly purchased directly from Lionel Ellis in 1974 according to inscription.

Mrs P. M. Cooper.

D. Cowill, purchased from Mrs P. M. Cooper, 30 May 2012.

Presented to Steven by his parents, 19 June 2012.

Private collection, UK.

Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers, Devon, 21 September 2026, Lot 329.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, 2026.

Exhibition History

Privately loaned and exhibited with The Famous Lord Hill Museum, late September to 1 October 2026.

Dimensions

Framed: 64.5 x 54 x 4.7 cm.

Approximately 25.4 x 21.3 x 1.85 inches.

Canvas: 51 x 41 cm.

Approximately 20.1 x 16.1 inches.

Condition Report

Presentable vintage condition commensurate with age. Age-related craquelure and surface wear are present, together with minor paint loss and visible stretcher-bar lines or impressions.

The reverse retains the aged canvas, wooden stretcher and important historic inscriptions. The gilt frame has rubbing, marks and age-related wear and is not represented as original. Please study all photographs as part of the condition description.

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Supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, recording the catalogue details, attribution, stated provenance, exhibition history and sale.

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