THE HORSE: FROM ARABIA TO ROYAL ASCOT
Organisation: British Museum
Time: 24 May 2012 10:00am - 30 September 2012 5:30pm
Place: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1
The British Museum Presents
The Horse: From Arabia to Royal Ascot
A Diamond Jubilee Celebration.
Discover the epic story of the horse in this special free exhibition – a journey of 5,000 years that has revolutionised human history.
The story focuses on two breeds – Arabians, which were prized in the desert for their spirit and stamina, and the Thoroughbred which was selectively bred from Arabians for speed and is now raced at world-famous courses such as Royal Ascot.
Objects range from ancient to modern and include depictions of horses in stone reliefs, gold and clay models, horse tack, paintings by George Stubbs, and trophies and rosettes.
The history of the horse is the history of civilisation itself. The horse has had a revolutionary impact on ancient civilisations and this major exhibition explores the influence of horses in Middle Eastern history, from their domestication around 3,500 BC to the present day. Britain’s long equestrian tradition is examined from the introduction of the Arabian breed in the 18th century to present day sporting events such as Royal Ascot and the Olympic Games.
24 May - 30 September 2012
Open daily 10:00-17:30 | Friday lates until 20:30
Room 35
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Free Admisson
More Info | www.britishmuseum.org
Image above: James Seymour (1702–1752), A bay horse being led by a training groom. This horse is likely to be the famous racehorse Flying Childers. Watercolour, 18th century.