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| Staff Writer |
Celebrating the artistry where the thrill of the chase meets the stroke of the brush, Cross Gate Gallery isn't just an art gallery; it's a portal to a world where the equine form reigns supreme. For over 50 years, it’s been a cornerstone of the captivating realm of sporting art, curating exquisite pieces that unite a community passionate about the elegance and power of equine imagery.
But Cross Gate Gallery isn't just about aesthetics; they're also dedicated to authenticity and quality. The gallery’s annual exhibition and auction is a feast for the senses.
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Since 1974, Cross Gate Gallery has served as a sanctuary for all who revere the horse in art. Living up to Lexington's "Horse Capital of the World" moniker, Greg Ladd, the driving force behind Cross Gate Gallery, curates a breathtaking collection that seamlessly blends 19th/20th-century classics with the works of contemporary artists.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Cross Gate Gallery has earned its position as a leader in the world of sporting art, curating an unparalleled collection of masterpieces that distil the raw emotion, beauty, and majesty of the horse, transporting collectors and enthusiasts alike to the very heart of the action.
"The theme of our exhibition and auction is equine," explains Greg Ladd.
"We try to include ‘flat racing’ as much as possible, but also ‘fox hunting’, ‘hunter jumper’, and all disciplines of the horse. Additionally, we include some ‘shooting/fishing’ pictures and ‘marine’ scenes.
Our buyers are very well-travelled and exposed, so we cover all forms of ‘gentleman sport’. That being said, quality art is the most important thing in our sale. I would rather have a good ‘fox hunting’ painting than a bad ‘flat racing’ picture."
This dedication to quality is evident in the selection of featured artists. The gallery showcases works by some of the top 19th and 20th-century masters, such as Sir Alfred Munnings (British, 1878-1959), John Frederick Herring Snr (British, 1795-1865), Henry Stull (American, 1851-1913), and Franklin Voss (American, 1880-1953).
In addition, contemporary artists like Andre Pater (Polish/American, born 1953), Valeriy Gridnev (Russian/British, born 1956), and Larry Wheeler (American, born 1942) contribute to the rich tapestry of the exhibition.
Speaking of the meticulous process of curating the auction, Ladd shares, "We have a group of five specialists that curate the art for inclusion in the auction".
Our number one goal is finding quality paintings, whether by ‘living artists’ or 19th/20th-century masters."
The meticulous selection process at Cross Gate Gallery certainly upholds its reputation for excellence, drawing collectors who value both the aesthetic and investment worth of the artwork.
Sporting art, particularly equine art, holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. It captures the grace, power, and elegance of horses, whether in the thrill of a race, the quiet intensity of a hunt, or the serene beauty of a countryside scene.
The gallery's focus on high-quality pieces, regardless of the specific equine discipline, ensures that the exhibition showcases the best of what the genre has to offer. This dedication to excellence was highlighted last year with the record-breaking sale of a Secretariat painting.
Reflecting on this success, Ladd remarks, "Last year was the 50th anniversary of Secretariat winning the Triple Crown in 1973.
Horsemen are in awe of Secretariat’s accomplishments. Many of the top contemporary painters have depicted Secretariat."
The resurgence of interest in sporting art is evident.
"Back in the 1970s and 1980s, there were several specialised ‘sporting art’ auctions. They all died off," Ladd recalls.
This year's exhibition at Cross Gate Gallery promises to immerse visitors in this captivating world, offering a glimpse into the skill and vision of both historical and contemporary artists.
As Ladd eloquently puts it, "It's a celebration of the horse."
This dedication to curatorial excellence has paid off.
In 2013, Cross Gate Gallery resurrected the specialised 'sporting art' auction, a tradition that had faded since the 1970s and 1980s when major auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's held similar events.
"Because we are located in ‘The Horse Capital of the World’, our auction has been very successful.
The art is hung in the Keeneland sales pavilion for three months, during the Keeneland sales and the race meet.
Over that period, the artwork is ‘physically’ viewed by thousands of owners, breeders, and ‘sporting art’ enthusiasts. We are kind of the only game in town," Ladd notes.
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This year's exhibition features an array of remarkable pieces. Among the highlights is an important painting by Sir Alfred Munnings, a revered name in equine art.
Ladd’s excitement about the inclusion of this masterpiece is palpable, stating, "We have a lot of good pieces in this year’s auction by the artists we mentioned above.
We have an important painting by Sir Alfred Munnings depicting Lady Munnings on Magnolia, oil on canvas 36” x 36”."
Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated for his dynamic and evocative equestrian scenes. The painting of Lady Munnings on Magnolia is a testament to his skill and passion for the subject, capturing the grace and strength of the horse and its rider.
Organising an auction of this magnitude comes with its challenges.
"Finding quality artwork may be the most challenging part of the auction," Ladd admits.
"This will be our 12th year holding the auction, so we are still relatively young in the auction game.”
“Cross Gate Gallery has been in business for 50 years this year, so we have a loyal clientele that has supported us. We hear from new collectors every year for either consigning or buying.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the gallery takes meticulous care in verifying the authenticity and accuracy of each piece.
We research everything offered to the auction to make sure it is ‘right’ and depicted as it should be," Ladd emphasises.
"We try to research everything offered to the auction, so I think the 'story' adds to the successful sale of a good sporting art piece."
Ladd also notes, "The emotion and athleticism of the horse and how an artist depicts it is always important."
A good artist can capture the intensity of a horse's gaze, the flow of its mane in the wind, or the sweat on its coat, creating an emotional connection with the viewer.
Ladd believes "Good artists can depict any subject. It's not just about horses; it's about capturing something that speaks to people."
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your collection, Cross Gate Gallery's celebration of sporting art is an event not to be missed.
For those embarking on the journey of building their own sporting art collection, Greg Ladd's words of wisdom ring clear: 'Love what you buy.'
This poignant advice underscores the significance of emotional connection and personal passion in the art acquisition process, reminding us that a true masterpiece speaks to our hearts as much as our eyes.
Ladd elaborates, "A new collector needs to buy what they like. They need to buy ‘Quality’ and something that hits them.
They need to be comfortable with the price of what they are buying and not be afraid to ask why the piece is priced at that level."
Ladd emphasises the importance of personal connection with the artwork and understanding its value. He also highlights the gallery's role in nurturing young artists.
"We have many young artists that we try to expose. We try to encourage our young painters to price their work reasonably and not overprice it.
It’s better to have their artwork out there and seen. When the demand for the work is greater than they are able to keep up with, then the prices have to go up. Basically it’s supply and demand," Ladd explains.
By unlocking the potential of emerging talent, this strategy sparks a cultural renaissance by providing a platform for fresh voices and perspectives. Art becomes more accessible, inclusive, and representative of the world we live in, driving a vibrant and dynamic market that thrives on creativity and innovation.
As a visionary leader, Greg Ladd offers a glimpse into the future with his expertise and passion for the genre.
He illuminates the exciting directions and promising trends that will shape the next chapter in the story of sporting art.
"I think for us the subject matter will always be focused on ‘The Sport of Kings’. I think colour is important to today’s collectors.
“We are constantly looking for new artists with some style to offer to our clientele."
Cross Gate Gallery's commitment extends beyond the canvas. Each brushstroke on display isn't just a beautiful visual depiction; the gallery's collection is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the horse, the rich heritage it represents, and the timeless bond it fosters between humans and these majestic creatures. It's a celebration of life, movement, and the unwavering connection that transcends generations.