This charming late-19th-century oil painting by English artist Edward Garraway (1842-1893) depicts ‘Tottie’, a grey pony in a stable. Garraway was a gentleman painter of animals, also a horse dealer.
Appearing somewhat in miniature, Tottie looks cautiously out at the viewer. A nervous disposition, ready to bolt given half a chance.
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.
Signed in the lower left and held within a splendid gilt frame, which is probably original.
Learn more about Edward Garraway in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 21” / 64cm x 54cm
Year of creation: 1888
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. One patched repair. The small white dabs are highlights not paint losses. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV1938
