Basil Nightingale (1864-1940)

Basil Nightingale was a sporting painter in both oil, pastel and watercolour who was born in Maldon, Essex. He worked near Melton Mowbray for some time, where he painted the famous portrait of ‘Tom Firr’ huntsman to The Quorn on his horse ‘Whitelegs. He painted racehorses for Edward VI, and also made many humorous sketches, some of which were published.’ In 1902 he moved to Leamington in Warwickshire. He was recognised as a “unique character, sportsman and artist”.