Newmarket Horse Racing Musical Comedy 1896 John Hassall Art Nouveau Original Lithograph: The Bet

Newmarket, "a racing comedy with music" was performed by Alexander Loftus’s Musical Comedy Company at the Opéra Comique, London between August and October 1896.

One of the posters for the production, representing the heroine Poppy and her trainer, has become iconic. Its original lithograph designed by John Hassall (1868-1948) and printed by is in the V&A. Reproductions - in the form of mugs and cell phone cases - are available online.

We have come across something extraordinary: two further, different posters for the production, original period lithographs also printed by David Allen & Sons, and presumably also designed by John Hassall. What is so remarkable is that - despite having searched high and low - I have found no record these images anywhere else. They are hence truly original pieces.

I have listed them separately, but a discount is available if the two are purchased together.

The lithograph presented here depicts a humerous scene with a young boy and a bookie, with Poppy seated on an announcement board. It measures The lithograph is is vintage condition, with notably some damage to the centre right and light foxing.

It is presented in a simple vintage clip frame from a framer in Cannes, France, but of course would look gorgeous presented with a mat. It would be a wonderful piece for anyone with an interest in the theatre, art nouveau prints - or horse racing. Size: 48 x 23.6 cm.

About the artist: John Hassall was an English illustrator, known for his advertisements and poster designs. At the suggestion of Dudley Hardy (along with Cecil Aldin, a lifelong friend), he studied art in Antwerp and Paris. During this time he was influenced by the Alphonse Mucha.

In 1895, he began work as an advertising artist for David Allen & Sons, a career which lasted fifty years and included such well-known projects as the poster "Skegness Is so Bracing" (1908). Between 1896 and 1899 alone, he produced over 600 theatre poster designs for this firm while, at the same time, providing illustrations to several illustrated newspapers.

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