My Style Muse: Whistlejacket by George Stubbs.
How a painting of the Marquess of Rockingham's racehorse informed this weeks styling thought process...
At the end of last week an account I follow on IG had shared their visit to The National Gallery in London, with the painting Whistlejacket front and centre in one of their photos. Instantly I was transported to what now feels like another life. Now, this weeks style muse is a little more conceptual than usual, so bear with me, as this painting has for a long time had a great importance in my life.
When I was growing up my parents took my sister and I on many gallery visits, from viewing the classics to the more obscure work of the Chapman brothers, we saw it all.
But there has been one particular gallery visit that i’ve continued to treasure to this day. In 2008 Dad was particularly keen for me to see a painting which was on loan to Leeds art gallery, however it’d just moved to the city and wasn’t particularly interested in visiting but he was adamant we went. Dragging my heels we traipsed up the stone steps, still not sure what all his excitement was about.
Dad then presented me with Whistlejacket by George Stubbs, as though it was his own prize winning stallion and with the same amazement I stood small in-front of the canvas and gazed into those haunting, wild eyes. It’s scale took me by surprise - an overwhelming presence which stops you in your tracks drawing you in, followed then by its beauty. The detailed features against such a simplistic background, so rare for it’s time (1762). The subject evoked a sort of emotion and vulnerability which really has stayed with me for all these years, unboxed whenever I’m reminded of it’s artistic power.
In that moment I understood why this painting was so special to dad, with the thoroughbreds image now in-printed onto my memory too. A cherished moment shared together I now unfortunately can only dream of creating with him.
You may be thinking ‘nice tale Hat but what relevance does that have as this weeks style muse?’.
And to answer that - this painting encapsulates the nostalgia of that time, where I was, the dreams I had, the places I was going to and the way I dressed.
Full of confidence and tenacity, the world was my oyster and the thrill of life as an adult was only just beginning! Cycling around Hyde Park, with a Chelsea cut and scuffed white pumps, blasting Interpol on my iPod Shuffle and finding my way to the door of the next house party.
With that late teen, high-energy punk aesthetic in mind, translated below is how it’d dress as a tired 34 year mother, as I’m not sure my frayed edge white denim high-waist shorts would be so appropriate for riding around town in these days…
1. Red Cardigan (no23 arce) - Babaa, €275.00
2. Striped Top (Charlotte) - YMC, £75
3. Salylo Bag - Samsøe Samsøe, £200
4. Single Speed Bicycle - State Bicycle Co, £503
5. Juniper Skirt - Story MFG, £435
6. High Top Trainers - Novesta, £79
Much better and still a vibe.
Back with more this week I promise, last week got hectic, sorry!
Hattie x
Instagram - @honourfarmfolk