National Sporting Library & Museum

08/30/2024

This week in Drawing Covert, A "Cos" to Celebrate! By Dr. Colleen Yarger, George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Library Collections.

"The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) takes great pride in having one of the largest, publicly accessible collections of Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton’s angling masterpiece, The Compleat Angler (also spelled The Complete Angler). Currently, more than 100 different editions adorn the shelves of the Library’s Main Reading Room and the F. Ambrose Clark Rare Book Room. But, there is always room for one more, especially when the front cover looks like this..."

https://nslmblog.wordpress.com/2024/08/28/a-cos-to-celebrate/

08/29/2024

Enjoy this fantastic film, "Turf to Turf: The Horseracing World of Sir Alfred Munnings | Art History Festival 2024". The film is presented by Art Historian, Christopher Garibaldi, Claudia Pfeiffer (NSLM), and Marcia Whiting of The Munnings Art Museum.

The sport of Kings inspired the painter Sir Alfred Munnings to create some of his most well-known paintings. See how the pictures were created and how they have traveled the globe to inspire today's artists.

Presented by:
Art Historian, Christopher Garibaldi
Marcia Whiting, Curatorial Associate, Munnings Art Museum
Claudia Pfeiffer, George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Deputy Director & Head Curator

The sport of Kings inspired the painter Sir Alfred Munnings to create some of his most well known paintings. See how those pictures were created and how they...

08/28/2024

Dead Heat, Clarice Smith's oil on canvas is vertical, with a limited palette of mauves and blue. The focus is on the racehorses’ expressions as they break the fourth wall to make eye contact with the viewer. To achieve the low perspective, Smith found pictures in the newspapers and cut them out, arranging them like paper dolls on the floor. She preferred black and white over color photographs so that the images would not influence her palette choices. See more of Smith's work on view at the NSLM until January 16, 2026.

Dead Heat (detail), 1999
oil on canvas
58 x 36 inches
On loan from David Smith
The Grateful American Foundation

08/27/2024

It's trivia Tuesday! This photo was taken on August 14, 1981, at the Middleburg Horse Show at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia. Can you guess the world-famous rider? Extra points if you can name her horse too!

Patricia Williams MacVeagh (American, 1935–2014)
Color photograph
Middleburg Horse Show at Foxcroft School, Middleburg, Virginia, August 14, 1981
Patricia Williams MacVeagh Collection
Gift of Martha Kaufmann, 2018

08/26/2024

In celebration of , we are excited to announce the extension of "Honoring the Point: The Gwynne McDevitt Sporting Dog Collection" until March 23, 2025! Now is the time if you haven't seen this incredibly vibrant exhibition. This detailed head study of a Gordon Setter, painted in 1884, was one of Barker's early works.

Wright Barker (English, 1864–1941)
Gordon Setter Head Study, 1884
oil on board, 9 1/4 x 7 1/2 inches

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/exhibition_details/1362

08/23/2024

Join us this Sunday, August 25 for Sunday Sketch in the Museum. Susan Pollard will lead the activity using inspiration from "Honoring the Point: The Gwynne McDevitt Sporting Dog Collection". Don't miss this opportunity to improve your skills with other artists of all skill levels. This free class begins at 2pm and we will provide all supplies needed. We can't wait to see you!

08/22/2024

Buy your tickets today for the most coveted event of the year—the NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ on September 15 at Great Meadow!

We only have the following available:
2 VIP Pavilion Tables
Limited Tailgates
General Admission tickets while they last ($40 pre-event)

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1374/

08/21/2024

What is the biggest horse you've ever seen?

It's so we bring you a giant treat—a horse named Brooklyn Supreme, born in 1928. Purportedly one of the biggest horses to have ever lived, the purebred Belgian Draft stallion was 19.2 hands tall, weighed 3,200 pounds, and had a girth that measured more than 10 feet long! Sources claim he ate 30 quarts of oats and 100 lbs. of hay daily while touring the country at fairs. "Brookie" was known to be gentle and cheeky. He often stole ice cream and candied apples from children who came to see him!

Image source: horseysense.co

08/20/2024

Notice anything different in front of our Museum? We just installed this incredible bronze by Jules Moigniez—it's a must-see! It was created during the French animalier sculptor’s lifetime and was cast by one of the premier lost wax casting foundries, Susse Frères. It is a rare and important example of a life-size work by the artist.

Jules Moigniez lived most of his life in Paris and became known for his sporting subjects and domesticated animals. He was a student of Paul Comolera (French, 1813–1890) and first exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 with Pointer Stopping at a Pheasant and Falcon and Weasel, each in plaster. The former is believed to have been the plaster for the present work.

Jules Moigniez (French, 1835–1894)
Life-size Pointer with Pheasant, c. 1860
bronze, 35 x 53 x 28 inches
Estate of Ralph O’Connor, 2020

08/18/2024

The show must go on! Join us inside today for the Martin and Kelly Concert from 3–5pm!

08/16/2024

The concert will take place rain or shine! - Don't miss this must-see, FREE concert on the lawn at the NSLM! Back by popular demand, we'll welcome the nationally renowned duo, Martin and Kelly who have opened for Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Alabama, Dwight Yoakam, Brothers Osborne, Bonnie Raitt, and more!

Enjoy a free concert on the lawn. In case of inclement weather, the concert and picnic will be moved indoors!

The concert and Museum admission are free and open to the public from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Sips will be available for purchase from Greenhill Winery, Lost Barrel Brewery, Mt. Defiance Cider, and Ironclad Distillery.

The Happy Family Ranch food truck and King of Pops popsicle cart will be on be site too!

Free parking onsite.

Pets must be leashed.

We invite you to visit the Town of Middleburg early to support local businesses.

For more information, please call 540-687-6542 x26

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1420/

08/15/2024

Have you seen our latest exhibition, Jack Boul: Timeless Landscapes? Boul's collection is installed in three galleries in the historic wing of the Museum. The exhibition highlights the artist’s impressionistic subjects which include cows and domesticated and wild fowl. He found inspiration for his artwork in the now-disappearing Virginia and Maryland countryside. The artist painted en plein air for much of his career and then in his studio from reference photographs. A video featured in the exhibition offers intriguing first-person insight into his work and process.

Why not check it out this week?

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/exhibition_details/1383

08/14/2024

Join the NSLM Gallery Talk tomorrow Thursday, August 15 with Colleen Yarger. Colleen will explore Honoring the Point: The Gwynne McDevitt Sporting Dog Collection in the Library's Forrest E. Mars, Sr. Exhibit Hall. This half-hour discussion will delve into specific aspects of the exhibition, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artistic works.

08/13/2024

"He'll Find You" is a charming, original Norman Thelwell fat pony cartoon from the October 1962 edition of "A Leg at Each Corner". This classic book covers the whole field of equitation from how to get a pony to how to prevent one from getting you; from how to pull his tail to how to bandage your legs." Norman Thelwell is brilliantly illustrated and always resonates. This gem is a great reference in an emergency—at the walk, trot, or canter, or from the depths of a blackthorn hedge!

A Leg at Each Corner
128 pages, Hardcover
October 1, 1962 by Methuen & Co

08/12/2024

It's Munnings Monday and today's painting is one of our favorites, Under Starter’s Orders, Newmarket, c. 1947. Sir Alfred James Munnings' career occupied a period in British history that hovered between two worlds, the old and new. This juxtaposition is evident in the subject matter and composition of his work. Munnings ensured anatomical accuracy that, in another artist, could be lost in his specific style and technique. With his loose brush strokes and impressionistic qualities, he brought sporting art into the 20th century.

Under Starter’s Orders, Newmarket, c. 1947
Sir Alfred Munnings (English, 1878-1959)
oil on panel
25 x 31 inches
National Sporting Library & Museum, Purchased with funds donated by Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Ohrstrom; The MacDonald Family; Mrs. Frances M. Dulaney; Karin and Mark Ohrstrom; Mr. and Mrs. F. Turner Reuter, Jr.; Jacqueline L. Ohrstrom; the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Foundation; Helen K. Groves; and other Anonymous Donors, 2019, © the estate of Sir Alfred Munnings, Dedham, UK
2019.1.1

08/09/2024

Only 39 days until the 2024 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™! It will take place on Sunday, September 15th, at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. This is everyone's favorite event! Do not delay, we still have a very limited number of tailgates and General Admission tickets available!

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1374/

Proceeds from the NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ benefit the NSLM in its mission to preserve, promote, and share the literature, art, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports as well as advocate for the conservation of open space and waterways crucial to these sports. Funds raised help support dynamic exhibitions, programs, and community events throughout the year.

08/08/2024

Get out of the heat this weekend and head to the NSLM. In addition to our permanent collection, "Honoring the Point: The Gwynne McDevitt Sporting Dog Collection" is not to be missed. You won't be disappointed with our expansive collection. See you soon!

Learn more: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/exhibition_details/1362

08/07/2024

It's the Olympic edition! Do you remember, at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the United States won the bronze medal in the team eventing competition. The team consisted of David O’Connor, Nina Fout, Linden Wiesman, and Karen O’Connor. The U.S. team’s performance was impressive, especially considering the tough competition from Australia and Great Britain, who took gold and silver respectively.

08/06/2024

Congratulations Team USA!

08/05/2024

It's not too late to sign up to join our virtual workshop, Drawing the Horse! We look forward to welcoming you back to Sir Alfred Munnings’ former studio via Zoom tomorrow, Tuesday, August 6 at 11am (EDT), for the second session where instructor Jim Power will be working in oil paint. Materials Jim recommends for this session are oil or watercolor paints, oil artboards or watercolor paper, pastels, pens and pencils, wet cloths, easels, or a drawing board.

Purchase tickets for the virtual workshop here: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1395/

08/02/2024

It’s the early 20th century and you have five cents to spare, so you go to the nickelodeon to check out the latest motion picture. Chances are one of the stars of the show is a horse.

The argument could be made that the earliest movie star was a horse: that of Eadweard Muybridge’s famous...

Read more in our Drawing Covert Blog!

It’s the early 20th century and you have five cents to spare, so you go to the nickelodeon to check out the latest motion picture. Chances are one of the stars of the show is a horse. The argument …

08/01/2024

What a fabulous evening we had last week at "Daniel Brewster: War Hero, U.S. Senator, Horseman"! Guests came from all over the country to enjoy a conversation with Gerry L. Brewster, John W. Frece, and Jeb Hannum about the new biography, "Self-Destruction: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster" by John W. Frece. We got rave reviews from everyone! Thank you to everyone who contributed including Middleburg Books who is currently selling the biography—check it out!

Event photos by: Nancy Milburn Kleck Photography

07/31/2024

It's , the Olympic edition, with Joe Fargis and Touch of Class. Joseph "Joe" Halpin Fargis IV (born April 2, 1948) is an American showjumper and Olympic champion. Fargis won showjumping individual gold and team gold at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also won showjumping team silver at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Cheers to one of our favorite former Olympians—GO JOE!

https://archive.org/details/joe-fargis-and-horse-touch-of-class-1981_202210

Photo (not from the Olympic games) credit:
Color photograph from the Photo Collection from Patricia Williams MacVeagh.
Photo taken June 7, 1981 at the Upperville Jumper Classic, Upperville, Virginia.
The Photo Collection of Patricia Williams MacVeagh was donated to the National Sporting Library & Museum.

07/30/2024

TOMORROW NSLM Members can shop our Duplicate Book Sale located in the Founders' Room in the Library. We have tables packed with fantastic books to add to your collection or a friend's collection. Members can get a sneak preview and purchase books from 10 am until 5 pm.

Our Duplicate Book Sale is open to the public Thursday, August 1 until Sunday, August 4 from 10 am until 5 pm. See you there!

07/27/2024

Join us at the NSLM tomorrow, in partnership with Buchanan Hall, for a Fly Fishing Field Day followed by a screening of the 2024 International Fly Fishing Film Festival™.

The Field Day portion of the event is free and includes crafts, led fly casting lessons, fly tying demos, and art vendors. Ford’s Fish Shack food truck will be onsite to purchase lunch. Following lunch, doors will open for the ticketed film festival.

IF4™ is the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, consisting of nine short films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe and showcasing the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. It is the gathering place of the fly fishing community and a celebration of friendship, fly fishing stories, and stoke. Go to our website for more details and ticket sales.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival® - IF4™ (flyfilmfest.com)

10 am–12 pm Fly Fishing Field Day activities fly-casting lessons, fly-tying demos, art vendors, and more! | Free to all

12 –1 pm Community Lunch Hear from a fly fishing expert while enjoying a picnic lunch (available for purchase) | Free to all

1:30 pm International Fly Fishing Film Festival doors open | Tickets for Members: $10, Non-Members: $25, Children Under 16: Free

2:00 pm IF4 Screening Begins

07/26/2024

Swing into Middleburg tonight for a FREE concert on our lawn! Enjoy the sounds of the Silver Tones Swing Band!

Call your friends and bring your chairs or blanket to enjoy a concert on the lawn of the National Sporting Library & Museum. The concert and museum admission are free and open to the public from 6 until 8:00 pm. There will be a free kids' art activity too!

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1344/

Picnics are welcome but no glass containers or outside alcohol is permitted. Concessions will be available, and there is free parking onsite. Pets must be leashed. We invite you to visit the Town of Middleburg early to support local businesses.

See you TONIGHT!

07/24/2024

We still have a few tickets available for tomorrow night!
Daniel Brewster: War Hero, U.S. Senator, Horseman
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1393/

5:30 pm: Cocktail Reception, Passed Hors Oeuvres & Book Signing
6:30 pm: Discussion with John W. Frece, Gerry Brewster, and Jeb Hannum, followed by Q&A

Please join us for an exciting evening exploring the critically-acclaimed new biography, "Self-Destruction: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster" –– currently a finalist in History for Foreword’s 2023 Indies Book of the Year Awards, judged by over 100 librarians and booksellers –– featuring author and longtime journalist John W. Frece, in conversation with Brewster's son, Gerry L. Brewster, and moderator Jeb Hannum, executive director of the Virginia Equine Alliance. Brewster, who has continued the family's long relationship with the Maryland Hunt Cup four times as a jockey and as a winning owner with Derwins Prospector (2017) will discuss the legacy of hunting and racing in his father's life and its role in his successful recovery from the alcoholism that derailed his promising political career on the national stage, where he pursued gains in civil rights and social justice as well as conservation that led to the preservation of the Assateague seashore, then slated for dense development.

07/23/2024

In celebration of our upcoming National Fly Fishing Film Festival & Field Festival, this Sunday, today's post is a bronze sculpture by Dale Weiler called "In Your Dreams". While enjoying the festival this weekend, check it out in the Museum!

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/collections_detail/1041

In Your Dreams
Dale Weiler (American, Contemporary)
bronze
11 x 24 x 21 inches
National Sporting Library & Museum, Gift of Loti Woods and Dale Weiler, 2019

07/22/2024

We are pleased to be included in "The Most Charming Weekend Getaways From Washington, DC" by Madeline Weinfield in the July 21, 2024 Travel section of VOGUE. Check it out!

https://www.vogue.com/article/best-weekend-getaways-washington-dc

From plush country inns to destination restaurants to wineries, here are the best weekend getaways from the nation’s capital.

07/18/2024

July is heating up with cool events at the NSLM! Mark your calendars and reserve your spot.

July 25: Daniel Brewster: War Hero, U.S. Senator
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1393/

July 26: FREE Open Late Concert: Silver Tone Swing Band
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1344/

July 28: International Fly Fishing Film Festival & Field Day
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1381/