38 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
e
European Connection
Heavenly
Shopping
at the
Victoria
Sporting
Art
Gallery
By Maria Wynne
Sidelines Writer Across the Pond
I was introduced to the wonderful Lindsey Knapp, CEO of
Victoria Sporting Art Gallery in Cheshire some years ago via the
extraordinary artist Daniel Crane. Daniel and his beautiful, fun,
infectious wife Ali had recently bought my horse as a hunter,
having heard about him on the grapevine. Daniel and Ali only buy
a certain “type” of horse and they are few and far between. They
have to look good whether hunting with the Beaufort, the Belvoir,
The Cottesmore, The Cheshire, The
Wynnstay, or any other pack and
cross the country in phenomenal
style. My boy was one such horse
– a 17 hand, dark bay, big fronted,
upstanding, well-mannered, snaffe
mouthed, powerful, scopey and
oozing presence. Daniel and Ali looked over his door and simply
said, “We’ll have him.”
Part of the transaction took the form of a personalized original
watercolour and it was this that I took to Lindsey Knapp of Victoria
Sporting Art Gallery for advice on framing. I did not, at this point,
truly understand what an important artist Daniel was (and is) and
despite living locally I had not yet met Lindsey. Wisely, Lindsey
subsequently advised me to never part with this unique and
treasured piece of art under any circumstances. Daniel’s star is in
the ascendency and he is ranked in the top three Sporting Artists
in the U.K. This painting is an important part of the legacy that I
am leaving for my son.
Lindsey and her Gallery are a vital port of call for anyone, be it
in person (prior notice required), online by visiting the website or
Facebook page, or by telephone. Lindsey regularly ships items
to the U.S., Australia and Europe and has a loyal client base of
repeat customers, all of whom know that Lindsey will fnd what
they are seeking.
I arrived at Victoria Gallery in the stunning grounds of the
ancestral Cholmondeley Castle on a bright, crisp and cold hunting
morning. The Estate itself is beautiful and open to the public
during the summer months. The Marquess of Cholmondeley is
still in residence and is generous in
allowing various fundraising events
to be held in the grounds of her home.
Victoria Gallery is sequestered away
in a quiet corner, overlooking the
parkland, surrounded by the area
known as Cholmondeley Park. A
tranquil and yet vivid corner of Old England and now home to the
most extraordinary collection of Sporting Goods and memorabilia
circa 1870 onwards.
Lindsey herself greeted me at the door, and immediately she
epitomized for me the true meaning of the word Gentlewoman.
Refned, dignifed, graceful, welcoming and warm, with a hearty
sense of humour. And she has a shy but knowing way of peeking
at you to judge your response to her hint of devilment. Charming
describes her perfectly.
Entering the Gallery can only be described as being allowed
access to a wonderland, a treasure trove. Every shelf and every
“Entering the Gallery can only be
described as being allowed access
to a wonderland, a treasure trove.”
Lindsey Knapp, CEO of Victoria
Sporting Art Gallery in Cheshire.
Continued on page 40