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‘Our Party at the Oaks’ by William Holyoake R.B.A. (1834-1894).

The painting – which depicts a group of young ladies at the famous English horse race - was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1867. It is presented in a fine quality, bespoke gold metal leaf frame.

Originally one of a pendant (the other painting being ‘Our Party at the Derby’), ‘Our Party at the Oaks’ portrays three young society ladies on the hunt for husbands having their palms read by a Romany girl. Having just finished her reading the girl in the foreground has clearly been given much pause for thought. It is no co-incidence that Holyoake has chosen to place these competitive young ladies at The Oaks, the most prestigious and keenly contested race for fillies; sexually mature but as yet unbred females.

All our paintings are sold in the finest condition they can be for their age having been newly professionally cleaned, conserved and re-varnished. Clients should also note that tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.

William Holyoake was an eminent Victorian painter of subject pictures. Between 1858 and 1888 exhibited at the Royal Academy, the British Institution, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Society of Birmingham Artists, Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, and Manchester City Art Gallery. Holyoake was twice a Curator of the Royal Academy Schools. He was elected a full member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1879 and named vice president by James Whistler in 1887.

Dimensions: (framed) 69cm x 79cm (27” x 31”)

Dimensions: (canvas only) 51cm x 61cm (20” x 24”)

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Provenance: Exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists in 1867. Engraved by James Scott and published in March 1870 by Henry Graves & Company. Private UK collection.

Presentation: Newly commissioned bespoke gold metal leaf frame. All of the new frames we commission are especially made for us to order by one of the UK’s finest period frame makers.

Condition: Very good. Newly professionally cleaned, restored, and re-varnished. Ready to hang.