Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942)

The 1910 Two Thousand Guineas, Newmarket

Neil Gow’s Classic Victory – Signed Edwardian Sporting Watercolour

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Subject & Medium

A rare and historically significant Edwardian original watercolour on paper titled “Two Thousand Guineas 1910” by distinguished British sporting artist Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942).

This highly detailed and event-specific composition captures the dramatic finish of the 1910 Two Thousand Guineas Stakes at Newmarket. Depicted at full stretch is Lord Rosebery’s celebrated colt Neil Gow, ridden by champion jockey Danny Maher, defeating his principal rival Lemberg, who would later secure victory in The Derby at Epsom that same year.

The handwritten inscription:

“Two Thousand Guineas 1910”

confirms the work as a contemporaneous commemorative record of this historic Classic race — not a decorative sporting scene, but a documented Edwardian racing event rendered with precision.

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Historical Context – The 1910 2,000 Guineas

The Two Thousand Guineas Stakes, run over Newmarket’s Rowley Mile, is the first of the five British Classics and among the most prestigious races in the Thoroughbred calendar.

The 1910 renewal carries exceptional historical weight:

Neil Gow – Owned by Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, former Prime Minister (1894–1895) and one of Britain’s leading aristocratic racing patrons.

Danny Maher – American-born Champion Jockey who dominated British flat racing in the Edwardian period.

Lemberg – The colt seen pressing behind in this painting, later winner of the 1910 Derby at Epsom.

Cullin immortalises the decisive instant of victory — forelegs fully extended, musculature taut, Maher crouched low in aerodynamic balance. The dated inscription strongly suggests the painting was executed either as a commemorative commission or for exhibition following the Classic victory.

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Composition & Technique

Cullin’s composition is dynamic yet historically grounded.

Neil Gow dominates the foreground, his chestnut coat rendered in layered tonal washes that articulate muscle and movement with anatomical precision. Danny Maher’s silks are crisply defined, reins taut, posture perfectly balanced. Behind him, Lemberg presses forward, creating narrative tension.

Cullin situates the race within Edwardian society:

A dense crowd of dark-coated gentlemen in top hats
A contrasting female figure in lighter dress
The Newmarket grandstand rising along the right
White running rails cutting across the Heath
A grey-blue sky evoking brisk spring light

The spectators are rendered in impressionistic tonal blocks, contrasting with the refined detailing of the horses. This compositional balance elevates the work beyond illustration into historical storytelling.

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Signed & Inscribed

Lower right: Isaac Cullin, 1910
Lower centre: “Two Thousand Guineas 1910”

Original watercolour on paper, mounted on board and professionally presented beneath museum-grade AR70 UV-protective glazing.

The survival of both signature and race inscription significantly enhances authenticity and collector appeal.

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About the Artist – Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942)

Isaac James Cullin was a respected British sporting and equestrian painter active during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Born in New York, he later established his career in Britain.
Exhibited at the Royal Academy.
Produced commissioned equestrian portraits and racecourse scenes.
Collaborated with sporting painter John Alfred Wheeler.
Recognised for anatomical accuracy and atmospheric racing compositions.

Cullin belongs to the distinguished lineage of British sporting art descending from George Stubbs and refined by Victorian and Edwardian turf painters. Race-specific works such as this are comparatively rare and particularly desirable when signed and dated.

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Provenance & Exhibition History

Painted and dated 1910

From the estate of Richard “Dickie” Onslow, respected racing journalist, author, and historian

Sold at Graham Budd Auctions, Auction GB84 – Race to History: Specialist Horse Racing Memorabilia Auction in partnership with Weatherbys, 13 November 2024, Lot 78

15111495140

Acquired through this notable English racing history auction

Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire

Held in the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

Onslow assembled historically important racing material rather than decorative sporting art. Exhibition at the Lord Hill Museum further confirms the painting’s recognition within a curated historical context.

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Frame & Presentation

Presented in a recently fitted hand-crafted Larson Juhl gold leaf moulded pine frame.

Acid-free archival mount
Museum-quality AR70 UV-protective glazing
Professionally prepared and ready to hang

The classical gilt moulding complements the Edwardian subject while ensuring conservation-grade presentation.

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Framed Dimensions

Height: 53.5 cm
Width: 63 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm

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Condition

Painting: Good antique condition with foxing consistent with age.
Frame: Recently added; excellent condition with minor handcrafted character.
Glass: Museum-grade AR70 UV-protective glazing.