ARTIST: Peter Barrett (British, born 1935)
NAME: Morgan Horse
YEAR: 1985
MEDIUM: watercolor on paper. Paper appplied to board
CONDITION: Excellent.
SIGHT SIZE: 8 x 12 inches / 20 x 30 cm
BOARD SIZE: 14 x 17 inches / 35 x 43 cm
SIGNATURE: lower left
NOTE: This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Morgan Horse stamp issued September 25, 1985. Unlike most American horses which have developed from the crossing of breeds, the Morgan Horse is descended from a single sire of incredible strength and merit. This horse was orginally named Figure, but is better known as Justin Morgan -- the name of his second owner. The origins of this amazing horse are obscure. However, he was truly one of the world's most remakable horses. Although he was renowned for his strength and endurance, Justin Morgan's horse was relatively small, standing only a little more than 4 1/2 feet tall and weighing around eight hundred pounds. Used to pull the plough to plant crops, clear fields and pull heavy loads, this one small horse literally worked from sunrise until dusk. When not working in the fields, Justin Morgan was matched in demanding weight-pulling contests ... and was raced under saddle and harness -- never to be beaten! The qualities of this one amazing horse were carried on in his offspring establishing one of America's most popular breeds of horses.
PROVENANCE: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation
CATEGORY: antique vintage painting
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SKU#: 117901
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BIOGRAPHY:
Peter Barrett was born in 1935. His early education took place during the war in Kent, Lancashire, North Wales and Surrey. He went on to Dulwich College where he was singled out by the art master, a Royal Academician, for extra art education. He attended evening classes at Chelsea Art School before National Service in the Navy. After his service he was offered a place at Camberwell Art School as well as the chance to go to university. He refused both, preferring to learn through experience. He began his career by working in design groups and advertising agencies in London, Canada and Athens. It was in Greece that he was able to turn his attention back to painting. He spent a long period living on the islands of Sifnos and Amorgos in the Cyclades with trips back to England for four one-man exhibitions at the Drian Galleries, London. A couple of paintings, large abstracts in oil, were accepted for the Royal Academy Summer Show. While in Greece his fascination in the natural world led him to paint detailed and accurate watercolours of wildlife, work that was brought to the attention of Artist Partners, London, who became his agent for commissions from publishers. Peter has illustrated over 40 books on wildlife as well as children's books. Commissions came from clients in UK, Europe and USA making it possible to lead a life as an artist. The peak of his career as an illustrator was Evolution published by Mitchell Beazley and the University of California in 2009. It was written by palaeontologist Douglas Palmer from an original idea of Peter's and produced in close co-operation between author and artist. It is now available as an app. Peter is a versatile and productive artist, both as a commissioned illustrator in watercolour and as a painter of his own subjects in oils, pastels and watercolours. While based in Devon since 1974, he has recorded the wildlife and landscapes he has seen, locally in the south west of England, but also on his travels in Africa, Greece, New Zealand, Europe and the States. His work has been exhibited in one-man shows at many galleries, including Illustrators Gallery, London; Exe Gallery, Exeter; Otterton Mill, Devon; Chris Beetles Gallery, London; British Council Gallery, Athens and in galleries in Ioannina and Papingo, Greece. His work has appeared in many mixed shows in London, Greece and USA. He also held exhibitions in his studio in the Culm Valley, Devon.