What is a snaffles print?

A snaffles print is a piece of British sporting art created by the artist Charles Johnson Payne, who signed his work with his hunting nickname. These works capture military life, hunting fields, and rural characters with distinct wit. They appear primarily as framed prints on paper, often carrying hand-applied watercolour highlights that bring individual character to each plate.

How should I hang a snaffles print?

Protect the paper and any hand-applied watercolour by keeping the frame away from direct sunlight and damp walls. Traditional wooden frames, including oak examples, suit the domestic and country house origins of these artworks. Ensure the glass is clean and secure to protect the delicate medium from atmospheric dust while maintaining clear visibility of the image.

Are these prints hand coloured?

Many examples combine a printed base with hand-applied watercolour or gouache. This technique allows the publisher to issue consistent outlines while giving individual sheets unique tonal depth. Examining the surface under a strong light reveals the brushstrokes sitting above the printed lines.

What periods do these prints cover?

The selection spans the early twentieth century, starting around nineteen hundred and extending through the decades up to nineteen fifty. This era encompasses Edwardian sporting life and later twentieth-century commemorative pieces. Dates often align with the publication of specific hunting sequences and military portfolios.