Lot 176: Desmond Snee, Maxine Cox, and Paul Hart, A Trio of Limited Edition Prints of Desert Orchid
A trio of limited edition horse racing prints featuring the celebrated grey steeplechaser Desert Orchid, all published by Sandown House Fine Arts and presented in matching gilt-finished frames under glass. The first print is titled The Official Portrait of Desert Orchid after an original oil painting by Desmond Snee. It is numbered in pencil 339/750 to the lower left and bears a pencil signature reading Desmond Snee to the lower right. The second print is titled Barnbrook Again and Desert Orchid after an original oil painting by Maxine Cox. It features a plate signature reading MAX 1990 and is pencil numbered 1549 / 5000. The third print is titled Desert Orchid The Winning Team after an original watercolour by Paul Hart. It is pencil numbered 720 / 2500 and bears a pencil signature reading Paul Hart to the lower right.
Each work is accompanied by its original Certificate of Ownership bearing a red circular stamp for SANDOWN HOUSE Fine Arts. The certificate for the Desmond Snee portrait, dated 25-11-92, is of particular note as it features the hand-inked signatures of the horse’s principal connections: breeder James Burridge, owner Richard Burridge, jockey Richard Dunwoody, and trainer David Elsworth. The other two certificates for the Paul Hart and Maxine Cox prints are dated 24.11.90. The collection also includes a summary list from the Equestrian Collection 1990.
Condition report:
The prints appear to be in good, well-preserved condition with no visible signs of foxing, toning, or fading (photos 1, 2, 3, 4). There are significant reflections on the glass in the provided photographs, particularly visible across the centre of the images (photos 2, 3, 4). The gilt-finished frames are structurally sound but show minor surface wear and light abrasions consistent with age and handling. The accompanying certificates show some light age-related toning but remain legible and intact (photo 5).
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