John Frederick Herring Snr.

George Clark of Barnby Moor;
purchased by his direct descendents c. 1960

O. Beckett, J.F. Herring and Sons, 1981, no. 155, p. 114

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered minor retouching and a layer of slightly opaque varnish overall. There is some further retouching to the bars in the centre of the painting. FRAME Held in a British Neoclassical style gilded frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1817 George Clark, of Barnby Moor, Nottinghamshire, noticed a sign painted for the local Coach and Horses inn. Greatly impressed with the artist's skills he soon made Herring's acquaintance and discovered they both shared a passion for carriage driving. Clark was a successful breeder of bloodstock, hunters and carriage horses which were assigned to the road for use in his coaching company. Clark was one of the most successful owners of the highly competitive stage coach companies in his day. His success was founded on the speed with which he could assure passengers safe carriage between cities and towns. Such was their speed and efficiency that Clark set the record for the fastest stage coach on the London to Edinburgh service (see T. Bradley, The Old Coaching Days in Yorkshire, 1889, pp. 16-21). 

At this time Herring was a professional carriage driver, having already worked for several years "on the box" on the Wakefield to London route, and Clark immediately employed him to join his establishment. From 1817-1818 Herring was given the coveted position of coachman in charge of the "High Flyer" on the York to London route where he remained for eighteen months before he had better opportunities painting pictures. He then gave up "the ribbons" and turn to painting for his sole income. 

Clark, now a devoted friend as well as previous employer, was to patronise Herring throughout his subsequent artistic career, commissioning as well as collecting many of his most important works. This charming stable scene was commissioned in 1844 when Herring was at the height of his powers. It is painted with a finesse of application and attention to detail which epitomises the superb quality of the very best of the artist's works. Furthermore, this scene illustrates the harmony and companionship between the horses and highlights the care and comfort with which Clark kept his treasured horses.