Anna Pugh Exhibition

In the heart of Newmarket, where the rhythm of galloping hooves and the scent of fresh hay define the daily pulse of life, a different kind of magic has taken root. The Art & Horse Racing Gallery, nestled within the historic Saint Wendred’s racing yard, is currently hosting a breathtaking exhibition of one of England’s most beloved contemporary folk artists: Anna Pugh.

This special showcase, presented in conjunction with the Lucy B Campbell Gallery, offers a rare opportunity to trace the "arc of a career" that spans over thirty years of storytelling, vibrant color, and gentle surrealism.

A Master of Narrative and Nature

Anna Pugh is often described as a "storyteller" as much as a painter. Born in 1938, her work is deeply rooted in the English countryside. Growing up as the daughter of a vet and a gardener, her affinity for flora and fauna was hard-coded from the start.

Her style is instantly recognizable—a playful blend of graphic precision (a nod to her early training in graphic design) and the dreamlike perspectives of Persian and Mogul art. In a Pugh painting, the natural world is enlivened by touches of the surreal: oversized blossoms, capering insects, and animals that seem to possess a quiet, knowing wisdom. Much like the works of Rousseau or Chagall, her pieces offer a glimpse into a world that feels more vibrant and intentional than our own.

Highlighting the Exhibition: From 1991 to Today

What makes this specific exhibition at the Art & Horse Racing Gallery so compelling is its breadth. It allows viewers to see how Pugh’s vision has evolved while remaining steadfastly devoted to the beauty of the natural world.

• "Home Coming" (1991): An early career highlight featuring two riders on red horses set against a lush, multi-colored forest. It perfectly captures the movement and narrative mystery she is known for.
• "Truffle Hunting Contest" (2001): A whimsical, large-scale piece where people and a pig navigate a landscape of fiery red trees—a testament to her ability to infuse a scene with humor and vitality.
• "Long Grass" (2022): One of her more recent works, this painting features four quails alert in a meadow. It showcases a refined mastery of detail and a sense of "persuasive illusion" that brings the viewer right down into the grass with the birds.

Why Newmarket?

The Art & Horse Racing Gallery is an experience in itself. Located in converted stables at a working racing yard, it bridges the gap between the elite world of equine athletes and the contemplative beauty of fine art. Founders Ilka and her team have created a "destination gallery" where the grit of the yard meets the grace of the canvas.

The gallery’s ethos of "art that makes you feel good" aligns perfectly with Pugh’s whimsical landscapes. Her work reflects the same dedication and natural strength found in the racehorses that surround the gallery walls.

How to Visit

Whether you are a long-time collector or a newcomer to the "charmed world" of Anna Pugh, this exhibition is a must-see. Her paintings are famously hard to come by—rarely returning to circulation once they enter private collections—making this retrospective a vital moment for art lovers.

You can explore the full collection, view pricing for original acrylics on board, and immerse yourself in the stories of the English countryside at the link below:

👉 View the Anna Pugh Online Exhibition

The Art and Horse Racing Gallery is open daily by appointment at Saint Wendred's, Hamilton Road, Newmarket. Even if you’re visiting for the races, a detour into Anna Pugh’s dreamlike gardens is the perfect way to round out your trip.