James Pollard, Epsom Races Preparing to Start
Preparing to Start, was published in 1836, when James was at the height of his career. It is one of a series of six; Saddling in the Warren, Epsom, Betting Post, Grandstand, Race Over, Settling Day at Tattersall.
He was the second son of Robert Pollard and Ann Iley, and James was born in Islington. He was tutored and guided by his father, and his painting was of such a quality that he was noticed by Edward Orme who was the King’s Print seller. Pollard was a lover of watercolour and not fond of working in oils. Orme’s shop was in Bond Street, and frequented by the best of society and soon Pollard was established as an excellent artist of all sporting scenes.
He married Elizabeth Ridley and they had several children. He continued to be successful. Sadly tragedy struck in 1840 he lost his wife and one daughter. This broke his heart and he was never quite the same after that. He lost his zest for work and his paintings suffered. After much struggling to deal with his obvious sadness and loss he went to live with his son James Robert, also an artist; and it was there he died on the 15th October 1867 at 22 Robert Street.
His work has a sense of perfection, beauty and clarity; he sets the scene and delicately fills in the details that are so delightful. He loved the sporting world, fishing, hunting, shooting and racing and this love and enthusiasm is so clearly seen in his work.
References, British Sporting Art, Walter Sparrow
The Dictionary of British Equestrian Artists, Sally Mitchell
The Four Seasons of Sport, John Cadfryn-Roberts, Ariel Press
The Horse in Art, David Livingstone-Learmouth
Racing in Art John Fairley