Biographical Information

Sydney Wombill
British op. 1841-1888

Little is written about the life of this British Sporting artist, although many of his paintings were produced as engravings including the subjects of racing grey hounds and racehorses. The portraits of the three famous racehorse “Ormonde”, “Ayrshire” and “ Bendigo painted by Wombill were engraved by S.A. Edwards in 1888, published by George Rees. Wombill’s painting of horse racing entitled “Neck and Neck” dated 1887 was auctioned at Christie’s in 1985. He also painted numerous trotting horse images including “Reliance” driven to sulky with Windsor Castle beyond, dated 1847. One of his best known engravings are portrait of “Melton”, winner of the Derby Stakes at Epsom, 1885 with jockey Fred Archer up and “Ormonde” 1886 with Fred Archer up, winner of both the Derby and the 2000 Guineas.