{"product_id":"oil-painting-horses-coachman-going-to-fair-signed-philip-h-rideout-c1908","title":"Oil Painting Horses Coachman Going To Fair Signed Philip H Rideout c1908","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhilip H. Rideout — Going to Fair — 1908 British Edwardian Coaching \u0026amp; Horse Oil Painting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvocative signed British sporting oil painting by Philip H. Rideout, dated 1908, depicting two chestnut horses drawing a smart carriage through the countryside with a coachman and elegantly dressed passengers travelling towards the fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighlights\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Philip H. Rideout, British, active late 19th–early 20th century\u003cbr\u003e• Edwardian period, dated 1908\u003cbr\u003e• Established title \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Oil on canvas\u003cbr\u003e• Signed “Philip Rideout” and dated 1908 lower right\u003cbr\u003e• Classic British equestrian and coaching subject\u003cbr\u003e• Pair of chestnut carriage horses depicted in motion\u003cbr\u003e• Four-wheeled carriage carrying three figures\u003cbr\u003e• Expansive rural landscape with mature trees and distant buildings\u003cbr\u003e• Documented Andover Marlborough Winchester Auctions provenance\u003cbr\u003e• Significant same-year Rideout coaching comparison documented by Christie’s\u003cbr\u003e• Traditional decorative gilt frame\u003cbr\u003e• Framed approximately 25.5 cm high × 46 cm wide × 2.5 cm deep\u003cbr\u003e• Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution supplied\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA finely observed Edwardian coaching scene by British sporting painter Philip H. Rideout, combining spirited equestrian movement with an engaging narrative of country travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned and dated 1908, \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e portrays a pair of chestnut horses drawing a smart four-wheeled carriage along a country road. At the front sits the coachman in a light brown coat and black top hat, reins gathered in his hands and whip raised above the carriage. He is accompanied by a lady dressed in pink and a gentleman seated behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRideout places the travelling party within an extensive green landscape framed by mature trees and roadside vegetation. Distant buildings emerge through the countryside beneath a broad blue and cloud-filled sky, creating a convincing sense of a journey continuing beyond the immediate picture space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting belongs to the coaching and equestrian tradition that forms one of the most recognisable strands within Rideout’s documented oeuvre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Philip H. Rideout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNationality \/ association: British\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod of activity: Late 19th–early 20th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle: \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate: 1908\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod: Edwardian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Oil on canvas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSignature: Signed “Philip Rideout” and dated 1908 lower right\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubject: Chestnut horses drawing a carriage with coachman and passengers through a British country landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrientation: Landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed dimensions: approximately 25.5 cm high × 46 cm wide × 2.5 cm deep\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrame: Traditional decorative gilt frame\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Andover Marlborough Winchester Auctions Ltd, Hampshire, 28 May 2023, Lot 506; Michael Swainbank, United Kingdom; subsequently Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e is an accomplished example of the small-scale sporting and coaching pictures associated with Philip H. Rideout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is structured around the forward movement of the two horses. Their extended legs, animated heads and taut harness immediately convey speed, while the reins lead the viewer naturally backwards towards the coachman and carriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRideout introduces carefully judged colour accents throughout the group. Warm chestnut tones dominate the horses, while yellow harness details and large yellow-spoked wheels contrast with the darker carriage body. The lady passenger's salmon-pink costume supplies the principal colour accent among the figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe coachman provides the controlling centre of the composition. Sitting upright in his top hat and brown coat, he holds the reins firmly while the long whip rises diagonally above the carriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind this concentrated foreground action, Rideout opens the scene into an atmospheric country landscape. Trees, hedgerows and distant buildings establish the travellers within a recognisable rural environment rather than presenting the horses as an isolated sporting study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting picture combines equestrian observation, landscape and narrative genre painting in a format characteristic of Rideout's work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Journey to the Fair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe established title \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e gives the composition an important narrative dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe viewer encounters the carriage during the journey rather than at its destination. Rideout therefore concentrates upon movement: the horses advance across the roadway, the wheels appear ready to turn through the landscape, and the passengers face towards the direction of travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three figures suggest the social character of the excursion. The driver is formally dressed, as are his passengers, with the lady's colourful costume giving her particular prominence within the group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise fair represented has not been established. Nevertheless, the subject belongs to a long British tradition of rural fairs, race meetings, hunts and other social occasions in which horse-drawn transport formed part of the spectacle as well as the means of arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specific fair or geographical location is attributed without documentary evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Edwardian Landscape\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRideout balances the animation of the carriage with a quieter landscape extending behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pale roadway occupies much of the foreground before narrowing towards the distant buildings. Dense vegetation and mature trees border the route, while areas of open green countryside provide glimpses beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distant architectural forms are particularly intriguing. Buildings appear around the centre and right of the composition, with some features suggesting ecclesiastical architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese details create a convincing destination towards which the carriage appears to be travelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurrent research has not identified the architecture conclusively, and the painting is therefore catalogued as a British country scene rather than assigned speculatively to a particular town, village or estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhilip H. Rideout and British Sporting Art\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhilip H. Rideout was a British artist active during the later 19th and early 20th centuries whose recorded paintings are strongly associated with horses and sporting life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoaching subjects form a particularly substantial component of his surviving oeuvre. Documented works depict stagecoaches, mail coaches, coaches and four, horse-drawn carriages and hunts moving through wooded tracks, country roads, snow-covered landscapes and river crossings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis broader sporting repertoire encompassed hunting and racing subjects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished sources are inconsistent regarding Rideout's precise life dates. Historic and modern auction catalogues variously provide different dates or describe him by his documented period of activity. For this reason, Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® uses the cautious designation of a British artist active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe considerable auction record nevertheless allows his artistic specialisation to be established with much greater confidence than the details of his biography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRideout's paintings are distinguished by their concentration upon horses in movement and the human activity surrounding them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than monumental equestrian portraiture, his work generally explores sporting narratives: coaches travelling at speed, hunting parties crossing the countryside, racing subjects and related scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristie’s has documented Rideout coaching pictures across several decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts records include \u003cem\u003eA Mail Coach in a Winter Landscape; and a Mail Coach in Summer\u003c\/em\u003e, signed and dated 1897 and executed in oil on canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther examples include \u003cem\u003eA Hunt Passing a Coach and Four; and Another Similar\u003c\/em\u003e, dated 1901, and \u003cem\u003eA Coach and Horses on a Wooded Track; and A Coach and Horses Crossing a Ford\u003c\/em\u003e, dated 1904.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis repeated return to coaching subjects establishes \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e firmly within an important strand of Rideout's known artistic production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComparative Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn especially important comparison is provided by Christie’s \u003cem\u003eA Coach and Four in the Snow\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat painting is recorded as signed and dated “P H Rideout\/1908” lower right and executed in oil on board, measuring approximately 24.7 × 45 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts date is particularly significant because \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e is likewise signed and dated 1908 lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two paintings are not presented as companions. Rather, the independently catalogued Christie’s work demonstrates that Rideout was producing closely related coaching subjects during the same year as the present painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe broader auction record contains further Rideout coaching works dated 1908.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarlier examples establish the longevity of the subject within his career. Two \u003cem\u003eEnglish Coaching Scenes\u003c\/em\u003e catalogued by Skinner were signed and dated 1889 lower right and retained historic labels from Arthur Ackermann \u0026amp; Son, New York.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose labels concern separate works and do not form part of the provenance of \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e. They are nevertheless significant evidence that Rideout's coaching paintings circulated through the established Anglo-American art trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature and Physical Evidence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned \u003cstrong\u003e“Philip Rideout”\u003c\/strong\u003e and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1908\u003c\/strong\u003e lower right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signature and date appear against the darker vegetation at the lower-right edge of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis corrects an earlier catalogue description which incorrectly placed the signature at lower left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe position is consistent with documented Rideout paintings. Christie’s records its 1908 \u003cem\u003eA Coach and Four in the Snow\u003c\/em\u003eas signed and dated lower right, while other coaching compositions from 1901 and 1904 carry the same lower-right signature placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse shows the canvas mounted upon a traditional wooden stretcher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting is housed within a decorative gilt frame incorporating a patterned outer border, broad gilt moulding and beaded inner sight edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo documentary evidence has presently been identified proving that the frame is original to the painting, and no such claim is therefore made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndover Marlborough Winchester Auctions Ltd, Hampshire, 2023, Lot 506.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatalogued as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Philip Rideout, carriage going to fair painting on canvas dated 1908.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuyer’s Invoice No. 15190.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupporting auction documentation has been retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2023 auction description provides documentary evidence for the painting's established \u003cem\u003eGoing to Fair\u003c\/em\u003e title, although no evidence has presently been identified demonstrating that this title originated with Rideout himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExhibition History\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo confirmed contemporary exhibition history for this painting has presently been identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo institutional exhibition history has been assigned without supporting documentary evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: approximately 25.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth: approximately 46 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepth: approximately 2.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in used antique condition consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting retains attractive colour and extensive surviving detail throughout the horses, carriage, passengers and surrounding landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge-related craquelure is visible across the painted surface, particularly within the pale sky and other lighter areas. There are scattered marks, surface dirt and localised areas of wear and paint disturbance associated with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse shows the canvas mounted upon a traditional wooden stretcher. No lining is apparent from examination of the available photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work has not been removed from its frame for examination by us. Consequently, no definitive assertion is made regarding the full extent of any previous conservation, restoration or structural treatment without further technical examination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decorative gilt frame displays age-related rubbing, cracking, scuffs, chips, small losses and evidence of historic overpainting or restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease study the detailed photographs as they form an important part of the condition description. Additional photographs and information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe painting will be professionally packed with appropriate consideration given to the historic oil-on-canvas support and decorative gilt frame. Insured delivery can be arranged according to destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale \u0026amp; Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution and Research\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional photographs and further information are available upon request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43961130385661,"sku":"CAK-SK-0108A","price":1500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/products\/edwardian-oil-painting-horses-coachman-signed-philip-h-rideout-142967.jpg?v=1687011775","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/de\/products\/oil-painting-horses-coachman-going-to-fair-signed-philip-h-rideout-c1908","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}