🏇 Antique Set of 3 English Hunting Watercolours

Charles Johnson Payne “Snaffles” (1884–1967) | Circa 1920 | Early 20th Century

Rare Humorous Sporting Narrative Triptych 

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Subject & Medium

This is classic English hunting humour told through a three-part sequence featuring the same red coat gentleman rider and his grey horse, with a fence as the dramatic centrepiece. Dating to circa 1920, the works are watercolour on paper and presented behind protective glass. In the first scene the rider approaches the fence with confidence and intent; in the second the timing turns gloriously comic as both rider and horse land on the ground and the fence is shown broken by the mishap; and in the third the rider has recovered, is back in the saddle, and rides away satisfied because—despite the fall—he has still won his wager. The storytelling is heightened by the captions, which read like overheard sporting banter and give the set its unmistakably British charm. Watercolour is the perfect medium here, capturing speed, spontaneity, expression, and the lightness required for both equine motion and comic timing. 🎨🐎

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Composition & Technique

Snaffles is admired not only for humour but for his ability to distil action into a few perfectly judged marks. This set shows confident draughtsmanship, expressive linework, and a strong understanding of equine form and balance—key reasons collectors prize him. The compositions are intentionally economical, allowing the viewer’s eye to focus on character, movement, and the decisive “moment” in each scene. Displayed together, the sequence reads with an almost cinematic rhythm—anticipation, comic climax, and resolution—giving the trio a narrative presence that a single sporting picture rarely achieves. 🏇

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Artist

Charles “Snaffles” Johnson Payne (1884–1967) is one of the best-loved names in English sporting art, celebrated for outstanding draughtsmanship and witty depictions of hunting and equestrian life. His subject matter typically included hunting, racing, military and sporting themes, often accompanied by humorous captions that sharpen the narrative and amuse the viewer. His works have been exhibited and sold internationally, and he remains a benchmark name for collectors seeking authentic, characterful sporting art with genuine artistic skill behind it. 🌍🎩

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Signed

One painting is signed “Snaffles”. The other two are not signed; however, they are consistent in hand, style, and execution and clearly form a cohesive narrative set. It is widely understood by collectors that Snaffles did not sign every panel in sequence works, and sets like this are valued for their completeness and display impact as much as for signature placement. 🧐✔️

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Historical Importance

This trio captures the spirit of early 20th-century English sporting culture, when hunting imagery served not only as decoration but as social identity, conversation, and tradition. The humour is period-correct and affectionate rather than modern or forced—an authentic reflection of the era’s sporting wit. Complete narrative sets are encountered far less frequently than single works, and because this trio tells a full story it offers stronger decorative presence and a more compelling collector’s proposition than an isolated example. 🕰️🏇

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Framed

Presented in the original traditional tiger oak masculine frames with protective glass covers. The warm oak tones complement the sporting subject beautifully and give the set a confident, traditional presence. The originality of the frames is a notable advantage: many comparable works appear later in mismatched frames, whereas this set retains a coherent period look that enhances authenticity and decorative quality. 🪵✨

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Dimensions Framed 📏

Each framed piece measures approximately 30.5 cm high, 27 cm wide, and 2 cm deep. The refined smaller format makes the set especially suitable for grouped hanging—easy to place in hallways, stair landings, studies, libraries, or above furniture—while still reading clearly as a complete narrative when displayed together.

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Provenance 🏛️

From a private hunting collection (vendor), with provenance including the notable auction house Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, with labels verso. This combination of sporting-collection ownership, recognised market handling, and professional curation will appeal to collectors who value authenticity and informed selection.

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Why You’ll Love It

✅ This is a true conversation set: the captions invite people in immediately, and the three-scene story delivers a genuine smile and a memorable talking point for guests and clients.
✅ The narrative format is the key advantage—anticipation, comic climax, and triumphant exit—making the display far more engaging and impressive than a single sporting picture.
✅ It delivers the quintessential English sporting look in one complete suite: red coat rider, grey horse, fence drama, and the satisfying “won the bet” conclusion that finishes the story perfectly.
✅ Watercolour on paper is an ideal medium for this subject, capturing speed, expression, and timing with lightness and confidence, while showing the draughtsmanship collectors expect from Snaffles.
✅ One piece is signed “Snaffles,” and the trio reads as a cohesive, matching set—rare to find intact and highly displayable as a grouped hang in the correct sequence.
✅ The original tiger oak frames add immediate period presence and authenticity, giving the set a traditional, masculine sporting aesthetic that suits studies, libraries, offices, and country house interiors.

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Condition

Offered in fine used condition commensurate with age and antique authenticity. The painting surfaces are in acceptable order overall, with various foxing and staining present. The protective glass covers show staining/marks in areas. The frames show general wear, scuffs, and age-related marks, with some small losses consistent with usage and old age. The backs show foxing and water staining, and the metal hanging loops have rust with some minor losses. Please review the photographs carefully as they form part of the description; this is an honest antique set with period patina. 🕰️