19th Century Oil Painting Melton Derby Winner Fred Archer C1885

1885 F S Evans Oil Painting Melton Derby Winner Fred Archer

An important original Victorian British sporting oil painting signed and dated 1885 by F S Evans, depicting Melton, winner of the 1885 Epsom Derby and St Leger, with legendary champion jockey Fred Archer mounted.

Highlights

Original oil on canvas dated 1885. Signed lower right. Historic Percy Young London canvas supplier stamp. Stafford Ellerman estate provenance. Two related paintings in the National Trust collection. Family evidence from Fred Archer's great granddaughter. Exhibited at The Famous Lord Hill Museum in October 2026.

Catalogue Details

Artist: F S Evans, British, active 1885.

Title: Melton with Fred Archer Up.

Date: 1885.

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Canvas: 91.3 cm wide x 74 cm high.

Framed: 99 cm wide x 81 cm high x 2.5 cm deep.

Historical Background

Melton was owned by George Manners Astley, 20th Baron Hastings, and trained by Mathew Dawson. Ridden by Fred Archer, he won the Epsom Derby and St Leger in 1885.

Fred Archer was one of the greatest Victorian jockeys, winning five Epsom Derbies before his tragic death in 1886 aged 29.

The painting depicts Melton standing in profile with Archer mounted in racing colours against an atmospheric landscape.

Artist and National Trust Comparisons

The National Trust holds two related paintings by F S Evans dated 1885 at Seaton Delaval Hall. Melton with Fred Archer Up, collection 1276782, and Master Kildare, collection 1276788.

The reverse of the present painting bears a Percy Young canvas supplier stamp associated with the Slade School Fine Art Depot, 137 Gower Street, London.

Provenance

Reported historical connection involving Lord Hastings and Stafford Thomas Cass, requiring further verification.

Subsequently associated with the estate of Stafford Ellerman, 1928 to 2022.

Ewbank's, Surrey, 21 March 2024, Lot 1178.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.

Fred Archer Family Evidence

In October 2026, Diana Reynolds, Fred Archer's great granddaughter, examined photographs of the painting and recognised facial characteristics resembling those inherited within her family.

She supplied historical family photographs and images of Archer's memorial, together with recollections concerning Lord Hastings and Melton's Derby victory.

Her testimony provides valuable family history but does not independently authenticate the painting.

Exhibition History

Privately loaned and exhibited at The Famous Lord Hill Museum, October 2026.

Frame and Condition

Presented in a substantial Victorian gilt frame beneath protective glazing.

Age related craquelure, minor surface wear and expected frame rubbing. Please examine the photographs. No independent conservation examination has been undertaken.

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Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution

Supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution recording the artwork details, provenance, exhibition history and sale.

Attribution and Research

Historical observations and attribution research represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD based on available evidence. Further discoveries may refine current interpretations.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Specialists in British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art, with more than two decades of experience.

Additional photographs and information available upon request.

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