English School, circa 1835
An Officer of the 1st King's Dragoon Guards with his charger, a troupe of dragoon guards beyond
Oil on canvas
25 x 30 in
63.5 x 76.2 cm
63.5 x 76.2 cm
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare. The 1st King’s Dragoon Guards was a distinguished British cavalry regiment with a history dating back to 1685. As a heavy cavalry unit, it played a vital role in numerous military campaigns, including the War of the Spanish Succession, the Napoleonic Wars, and later actions in India and the Boer War. Renowned for their discipline, striking uniforms, and formidable presence on the battlefield, the regiment symbolized the might and tradition of the British Army’s mounted forces. Beyond combat, the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards also had ceremonial significance, often representing the Crown in parades and state occasions. In 1896, the regiment gained particular prestige when Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany was appointed its Colonel-in-Chief, reflecting its esteemed status in the British military. The regiment remained active until 1959, when it was amalgamated with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) to form the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards, continuing its proud legacy into the modern era.
Provenance
With The Parker Gallery, London;The Collection of Charlie Watts.
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