B.
Epsom Derby
Behind the scenes
Sybil Andrews colour linocut Racing captures the energy, motion and rhythm of horses and riders as they gallop round the bend of the Epsom race track in London.
The print, produced using four separate blocks, was inspired by the 1933 Epsom Derby for which Andrews and her partner, fellow artist Cyril Power, produced a poster advertising the Derby for London Transport. Horses and riders seemingly become one as the gallop at full steam attempting to take the lead. Hyperion won by a mile on the day and you can watch the actual race that inspired Andrews to produce this print below.
Sybil Andrews Racing 1934. Linocut. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, gifted by Rex Nan Kivell 1953
It's a little pixelated and there is no sound but it surely conjures up the movement and spirit of the race that Andrews conveys.
Related
Collection
Sybil Andrews Racing
Sybil Andrews completed several linocuts of horses both working and competing. In Racing, the galloping horses and their riders are stretched and curved, giving a sense of motion as they round the track barrier. The sense of speed and movement is intensified by the high viewpoint and the slipstream each horse leaves in its wake. All non-essential details have been eliminated and the horses appear to move in unison, creating a whirlwind as they gallop in full flight.
(One O'Clock Jump: British Linocuts from the Jazz Age, 7 December 2024 - 11 May 2025)