19th Century Large Hunting Painting With The Quorn Hunt Tom Firr Up Grey Signed Basil Nightingale

Hare Seeds Gentlemen! Hare Seeds — With The Quorn Hunt

Believed to Depict Tom Firr on Fresco

Basil Nightingale (British, fl. late 19th century), Signed and Dated 1895

An important late Victorian sporting watercolour by Basil Nightingale, depicting a dramatic hunting scene with the renowned Quorn Hunt. Signed and dated 1895, this large-scale equestrian painting is believed to possible portray the legendary Quorn huntsman Thomas "Tom" Firr mounted on his grey hunter.

Combining exceptional equine draughtsmanship, historical narrative and strong decorative presence, the work captures the pageantry and discipline of English fox hunting during one of its most celebrated periods.

Medium

Watercolour, gouache and bodycolour heightened with white on paper.

Inscribed upper right:

Hare Seeds Gentlemen! Hare Seeds!

(With the Quorn — A Sketch From Memory)

The inscription records a traditional hunting call indicating that the hounds have momentarily picked up the scent of a hare rather than a fox, preserving an authentic moment from the hunting field. The note "A Sketch From Memory" suggests direct observation and lends the work particular documentary interest.

The Composition

The huntsman occupies the centre of the composition, reinforcing his authority within the hunt. Mounted upon a powerful grey horse and sounding his hunting horn, he commands both the pictorial space and the narrative.

Nightingale demonstrates an impressive understanding of equine anatomy, evident in the modelling of the horse's shoulder, hindquarters and collected movement. Delicate linear work describes the tack and bridle, while broader passages of colour create atmosphere and movement across the landscape.

The vivid scarlet hunting coat contrasts beautifully against the restrained earth tones of the background, while carefully applied white highlights add depth and luminosity throughout the composition.

Presented at nearly one metre wide in its frame, the painting possesses considerable visual impact and decorative appeal.

Tom Firr and the Quorn Hunt

The figure is strongly believed to represent Thomas Firr (1847–1910), one of the most famous huntsmen of the Victorian era.

Firr served as professional huntsman to the Quorn Hunt and became renowned throughout Britain for his mastery of hounds, exceptional horsemanship and commanding presence in the hunting field. His reputation extended well beyond Leicestershire, making him one of the most recognisable sporting figures of his generation.

Founded in 1696, the Quorn Hunt remains one of the most prestigious fox hunts in Britain. By 1895, under the Mastership of the 6th Duke of Rutland, it occupied a central position within Victorian sporting society.

Works associated with the Quorn, particularly those depicting identifiable huntsmen and documented field incidents, remain highly sought after by collectors of British sporting art.

The Artist

Basil Nightingale was a British painter and illustrator specialising in sporting, military and equestrian subjects during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

His professional career included contributions to:

The Graphic
The Illustrated London News

Nightingale also exhibited in London and developed a reputation for accurate equestrian studies and sporting compositions.

His work is particularly appreciated for its combination of anatomical precision, narrative content and strong draughtsmanship.

Signature

Signed and dated lower right:

Basil Nightingale, 1895

The signature and date firmly place the work within the period of Tom Firr's celebrated tenure with the Quorn Hunt.

Framing

Recently professionally reframed in a quality Larson-Juhl gilt moulding.

The painting is presented with:

Ivory colour paper conservation mount
Gold slip
Artglass AR70 museum glazing
Approximately 70% UV protection

The anti-reflective glazing significantly enhances visibility while providing conservation benefits suitable for long-term display.

Dimensions

Sheet Size:
Approximately 47 cm x 66 cm

Framed Size:
99 cm Width x 80.5 cm Height x 4.5 cm Depth

The substantial framed scale makes this an ideal statement piece for a country house, library, study, sporting collection or equestrian interior.

Provenance

Private Collection, United Kingdom

Mellors & Kirk, Nottingham – Fine Art, Antiques & Collectors Sale, December 2025

Eastern Shire Antiques Dealers Collection

Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Privately Loaned & Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum

Market Significance

This work combines several highly desirable characteristics rarely found together:

Quorn Hunt subject matter
Believed depiction of Tom Firr
Signed and dated example
Original narrative inscription
Large exhibition scale
Museum-standard presentation
Strong decorative and historical appeal

Victorian sporting paintings associated with the Quorn Hunt continue to attract collectors in both the United Kingdom and the United States, particularly where identifiable personalities and documented sporting incidents are present.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping available.

Professionally packed, fully insured and dispatched with specialist fine art handling where appropriate.

Please enquire for international delivery quotations or additional images.

Condition report:

Condition Report

The sheet remains in strong, stable condition with vibrant colour retention throughout.

A horizontal handling crease is visible across the upper section of the sheet but has flattened with age and does not detract significantly from overall presentation.

The work has been professionally reframed using modern conservation materials. The mount, backing and glazing are all recent and clean. The frame displays only minimal handling wear consistent with careful installation and display.