James Seymour

James Seymour (c. 1700-1752) is one of the founders of English sporting art.

A lover of the Turf, Seymour specialised in depictions of horses and their riders, particularly at Newmarket between 1722 and 1752.

His wonderful paintings and drawings are some of the most important records we have of the early greats, such as Flying Childers, and of the way racing was organised at this early stage. Richard Wills has studied Seymour for over ten years, and this book is the first ever comprehensive account and catalogue. 130 paintings and 430 drawings, including new discoveries, are included in the book, with over 500 illustrations, many never reproduced before.

The introductory essay examines the life of Seymour, whose devotion to the Turf enabled him to gain an unrivalled knowledge of equine anatomy and behaviour.

Considerable information about the history of racing, and its enrichment through analysis of Seymour’s paintings, is contributed by David Oldrey and Tim Cox.