Title - Study for 'Ascot in Rain'

Artist - Sir John Lavery

Although forecasts were fair, the sky clouded over at 11.00 am on the first day of Ascot in June 1922, and a downpour ensued. The rain stopped during lunch and re-started once the Royal Procession arrived and throughout the rest of the week, up to Gold Cup day, uncertain weather conditions continued. Few, the papers reported, had come prepared on that first day.

Lavery was of course oblivious to the weather. A painter who had stood on the ice painting the Fleet at Scapa Flow during the last year of the Great War would not be daunted by a few summer showers. Indeed unfurled umbrellas added interest to the crowd, in which several spectators can be spotted consulting their betting slips. With several furlongs to go the race is approaching its finish and excitement mounts - even in these inclement conditions. Wanting to paint the Gold Cup he had been given free access to owners' stand where he would have the best view.