The Petworth Park Antiques and Fine Art Fair (8–10 May)

The marquee has been packed away, the deer in Petworth Park have reclaimed their quiet views of the house, and the team at Art & Horse Racing is heading back to Newmarket with a sense of immense pride. The Petworth Park Antiques & Fine Art Fair was a resounding highlight of our spring season, offering a peerless backdrop for some of the most evocative work in our collection.

Exhibiting in the grounds of a National Trust treasure like Petworth House is always a privilege, and this year’s curation centered on the dialogue between the structured landscape and the vibrant life within it.

The Soul of the Landscape: Milan Ivanič

We were proud to feature a significant collection of works by Milan Ivanič. Born in Czechoslovakia and trained in the rigorous Central European traditions of Prague, Milan brings a sophisticated, structured approach to the sprawling beauty of the British landscape.

His paintings are explorations of essence. Whether capturing the tidal shifts of a salt marsh or the historic silhouette of Cartmel Priory, Milan uses color and composition to evoke a sense of permanence and peace. Visitors were particularly drawn to his ability to find the "new" in familiar vistas, proving that a great landscape is a conversation that never truly ends.

An Iconic Presence: Anna Pugh

It was a distinct honor to showcase the unmistakable works of Anna Pugh, an artist who truly needs no introduction to the British art world. As one of the UK’s most cherished and established colorists, Anna’s presence on our stand was a significant draw for seasoned collectors and admirers alike.

Her paintings are the very definition of our "art that makes you feel good" philosophy. Characterized by their "fresh and irreverent" vitality, Anna’s narratives—where the flora and fauna of the countryside are rendered with both meticulous detail and a touch of the surreal—brought a sense of joy and wonder to the Petworth marquee. Seeing her work in the historic, storied setting of the park felt particularly fitting; her unique ability to capture the secret, bustling life of the natural world mirrored the timeless beauty of the landscape just outside our doors.

A "Stable" Connection in West Sussex

While the Petworth fair is steeped in antiques and history, bringing our contemporary collection to this audience felt incredibly natural. Many visitors were fascinated by our gallery’s own story—based in converted stables at Saint Wendred’s Racing Yard in Newmarket.

The connection between the heritage of Petworth Park and our own racing heritage created a wonderful dialogue. Whether we were discussing the technical mastery of a Milan Ivanič acrylic or the whimsical narratives of an Anna Pugh original, the theme remained consistent: a celebration of beauty, craftsmanship, and the British countryside.

Missed the Fair? Visit the Yard.

If you didn’t manage to make it to West Sussex this weekend, or if there is a piece by Milan or Anna that you are still reflecting on, the journey doesn't end here.

We invite you to experience these works in their "home" environment. Our gallery in Newmarket offers a quiet, immersive experience where you can view fine art while hearing the horses on the gallops just a stone’s throw away.

Explore the Milan Ivanič Collection | Shop Anna Pugh Originals | Book a Gallery Visit

We look forward to welcoming you to the stables soon.