Edward Garraway was an English painter of animals, also a horse dealer and farmer.

Born in Englefield near Egham, Surrey, Garraway was raised among picturesque rural environs. His father, also Edward Garraway, was a gentleman and undoubtedly owned several horses. As such, young Garraway would’ve developed an understanding of equestrian matters from an early age. Also offered plenty of opportunities to sketch.

Around 1861, he was sent to live with the landowner and philanthropist, James Braby (1826-1907), and it’s plausible that he was taught how to farm during this period. Braby employed four servants including a groom, so would’ve also kept stabled horses.

From here, Garraway undertook a career in farming and horse dealing, taking a premises in Guildford in 1865. In an advert published in the local press, he announced to “noblemen, gentlemen, and the public in general, that he will have constantly on view a first-class assortment of sound and genuine hunters and harness horses, which he will be most happy to show to any gentleman favouring him with a visit.”

His endeavours appear to have taken a downturn a few years later as he’s recorded as unemployed in the 1871 census, which seemingly provided the catalyst for his artistic career. The earliest work we can find is dated 1870 and it’s titled ‘A Bad Start’, which is presumably a portrait of a racehorse.

He spent the remainder of his life working as a professional painter of animals and this piece from 1888 is a good example. He lacked the finesse of his formally trained contemporaries but managed to capture the spirit and charm of each subject.

Timeline

1842

Born in Englefield near Egham, Surrey, to Edward Garraway, a gentleman, and Sarah H Garraway. He was baptised on the 21st of December.

1851

Lived in Datchet, Buckinghamshire, with his parents, two sisters and servants.

1861

Lived in Ewhurst, Surrey, with James Braby (1826-1907), a lay rector and landowner. Occupation recorded as ‘Pupil’. Four servants worked at this property including a groom.

1864

Married in Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, to Letitia Hargreaves. Occupation recorded as ‘Farmer’.

1865-1866

Worked as a horse dealer at the White Horse Hotel Livery and Bait Stables, Guildford.

1871

Lived in Hampstead, Surrey, with his wife Lettie and daughter Emily. Occupation recorded as ‘Farmer (Unemployed)’.

1881

Lived in Croydon, Surrey, with his wife Lettie, daughters Emily and Florence and general servant, Ellen. Occupation recorded as ‘Oil and Watercolour Artist’.

1891

Lived in Wimbledon, Surrey, with his wife Lettie and niece Daisy. Occupation recorded as ‘Animal Painter’.

1893

Died in Wimbledon, Surrey.