the collector's folio

Alfred Munnings Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Alfred Munnings our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Alfred Munnings · 1878 – 1959

Tombland Fair

1904 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 51 x 62 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "Tombland Fair" captures a vibrant 1904 British fair scene with bustling crowds, colorful umbrellas, and a lively atmosphere – a quintessential work by the renowned horse painter.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23962 × 51 cm Commission at original size

The 6th Earl Winterton, MFH

The Vestey Gallery of British Sporting Art, Newmarket · original 92 x 94 cm

Admire Alfred Munnings' masterful depiction of 'The Sixth Earl Winterton,' MFH – a vibrant equestrian portrait capturing the spirit of rural England and British horsemanship.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$40094 × 92 cm Commission at original size

The Fancy Dress Ball

1901 · The Munnings Art Museum, Dedham

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

A Garden Scene

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 64 x 71 cm

This artwork is featured prominently in ‘A Garden Scene’ – The Munnings Art Museum, showcasing its significance within British Impressionism. Further exploration reveals Sarah Whitley's pioneering role as the earliest woman filmed, cementing Munnings’ place in cinematic history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17533 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28071 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Moving up to the Start, Newmarket, Suffolk

The Vestey Gallery of British Sporting Art, Newmarket · original 72 x 82 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "Moving Up to the Start" captures a thrilling horse race! Witness the energy of British sporting art with this vibrant oil painting – perfect for collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32082 × 72 cm Commission at original size

The Stour at Dedham

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 45 x 65 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' 'The Stour at Dedham' captures a serene riverside landscape with loose brushstrokes and atmospheric light, showcasing the beauty of Suffolk’s countryside.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23265 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Sheep on Exmoor

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 31 x 61 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "Brightworthy Ford" captures the serene beauty of Exmoor’s Barle Valley. This oil painting showcases rolling hills, a winding river, and a peaceful moorland scene – a timeless landscape by a master artist.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17543 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20261 × 31 cm Commission at original size

Huntsman Crossing the Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 64 x 76 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings’ ‘Huntsman Crossing Dunkery Beacon’ captures Exmoor’s rugged beauty in an Impressionistic oil painting. Explore this iconic British sporting scene.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28976 × 64 cm Commission at original size

Before the Start, Newmarket

1949 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 46 x 61 cm

Witness the thrill of horse racing at Newmarket! Alfred Munnings' 'Before the Start' captures a dynamic moment with a vibrant jockey and powerful horses, showcasing his masterful brushwork and equestrian expertise.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22961 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Bagsworthy Water, Exmoor, at Cloud

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 33 x 41 cm

Admire Alfred Munnings's evocative depiction of Exmoor at Cloud – a masterful Impressionistic landscape capturing the serene beauty of Dartmoor National Park with textured brushstrokes and earthy tones.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18641 × 33 cm Commission at original size

Two Calves grazing by a Hedge

1904 · The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology, Oxford · original 52 x 78 cm

Admire Sir Alfred Munnings's evocative depiction of two cows grazing peacefully amidst lush greenery – a timeless masterpiece capturing rural England’s beauty and tradition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$26578 × 52 cm Commission at original size

Langham Mill Pool on the Stour

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 51 x 61 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "Langham Mill Pool" captures a serene Suffolk landscape with vibrant brushstrokes and reflects light on the water, showcasing his mastery of rural Impressionism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23861 × 51 cm Commission at original size

The Ford

Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton · original 139 x 165 cm

Experience 'The Ford' by Sir Alfred Munnings – a captivating 1910 painting of a man and horses navigating floodwaters. A stunning depiction of rural England’s adventurous spirit, rendered in rich detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$814165 × 139 cm Commission at original size

Exmoor Sheep (recto)

1940 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 22 x 67 cm

Experience the tranquil beauty of Exmoor through Alfred Munnings's "Exmoor Sheep," an Impressionistic masterpiece capturing rural England’s charm and equestrian spirit.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17557 × 18 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18967 × 22 cm Commission at original size

A Farmyard Scene

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 51 x 61 cm

Experience 'A Farmyard Scene' by Sir Alfred Munnings! This vibrant Impressionist painting captures rural life with horses, pigs, and a charming barn – a timeless British masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23861 × 51 cm Commission at original size

Tagg's Island

1920 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 89 x 127 cm

Explore Sir Alfred Munnings’ ‘Tagg’s Island’ (1920), an Impressionistic oil painting of a lively summer luncheon scene. Discover its rich details & timeless charm.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$652127 × 89 cm Commission at original size

Under Starter's Orders

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 51 x 64 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings’s vibrant ‘Under Starter’s Orders’ captures the exhilarating energy of a horse race with dynamic jockeys and horses, showcasing his signature style from the early 20th century. Discover this captivating artwork and bring its timeless charm into your space.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24264 × 51 cm Commission at original size

A Shoot in a Swede Field

1901 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 41 x 56 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings’s ‘A Shoot in a Swede Field’ captures the idyllic charm of rural England in 1901 with its vibrant depiction of hunters and dogs, showcasing the artist's signature style and offering a timeless glimpse into a vanishing world.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21456 × 41 cm Commission at original size

The Ford

1910 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 135 x 163 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$787163 × 135 cm Commission at original size

Daniel Tomkins and His Dog

1898 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 56 x 66 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "Daniel Tomkins and His Dog" (1898) captures a serene moment of companionship – an older man with his loyal dog, rendered in rich detail & evocative brushstrokes.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25566 × 56 cm Commission at original size

A Suffolk Horse Fair, Lavenham

1901 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 127 x 203 cm

Explore 'A Suffolk Horse Fair' by Sir Alfred Munnings! This 1901 oil painting captures rural life in a realistic style, showcasing horses & village charm. #art #munnings #horsefair

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$896203 × 127 cm Commission at original size

Lady Munnings Riding a Grey Hunter ('Magnolia') Side Saddle, with Her Dogs on Exmoor

1924 · The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 177 x 187 cm

Experience the beauty of rural England with Munnings' stunning portrait! 'Lady Munnings Riding a Grey Hunter' captures a timeless scene of elegance and nature, painted in 1924 by Sir Alfred James Munnings.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1107187 × 177 cm Commission at original size

A Bay Horse in a Stable (verso)

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 35 x 71 cm

Experience the serene beauty of rural England through Sir Alfred Munnings' Impressionistic masterpiece – 'A Bay Horse in a Stable.' Explore vibrant colors & textured brushstrokes capturing equestrian life.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17545 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$21971 × 35 cm Commission at original size

The Royal Carriage Entering the Long Walk, Windsor, on the Return from the Ascot Races, 1925

View the most popular artwork of Alfred Munnings ranked #24: The Royal Carriage Entering the Long Walk, Windsor, on the Return from the Ascot Races, 1925

1925 · National Trust, Cambridge · original 74 x 102 cm

Experience Munnings' vibrant Impressionism capturing royal grandeur at Ascot Races in 1925; own this elegant glimpse into a bygone era of British tradition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$368102 × 74 cm Commission at original size

A Horse with a Groom

The Munnings Art Museum, Colchester · original 36 x 46 cm

Sir Alfred Munnings' "A Horse with a Groom" captures rural England’s equestrian beauty. A stunning oil painting of a horse and groom, showcasing his signature style & masterful technique.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 1,189 artworks by Alfred Munnings
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19546 × 36 cm Commission at original size

The artist

Alfred Munnings

1878 – 1959

Quick facts

Topics exploredlandscape, impressionism, horses, british art, munnings
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Copyright statusUnder copyright
Born1878, Mendham, United Kingdom
Room fitliving room
Top-ranked workTombland Fair
Works on APS1189
Mediumsoil on canvas

Biography

The Life of Sir Alfred James Munnings

The story of Sir Alfred James Munnings began in the quiet, industrious atmosphere of Mendham Mill. Born on 8 October 1878, he entered a world defined by the steady rhythms of the river and the mill. He was the second of four sons born to John and Ellen Munnings, and his early years were shaped by the presence of his father, a miller. This mill sat in Mendham, Suffolk, positioned right across the River Waveney from Harleston in Norfolk, a place where the movement of water and the labor of animals were constant companions.

Growing up in such a setting, the boy was surrounded by the activity of a working mill, where horses and horse-drawn carts arrived daily to attend to the needs of the community. This early exposure to the strength of animals and the practicalities of rural life would eventually find its way onto his canvases. He was a child of the Suffolk countryside, a land of rolling fields that would remain a central character in his life and his work for many decades to come.

Early Life, Family and Training

Born in 1878 at Mendham Mill, on the border between Suffolk and Norfolk, Alfred James Munnings was the second of four sons. His father, John, was a miller, and his mother, Emily, came from a family of farmers. The boy grew up amidst the constant, rhythmic activity of a working mill, where the arrival of horses and heavy, horse-drawn carts provided a steady backdrop to his childhood. This early immersion in the movement of animals and the labor of the countryside would later inform his keen eye for the equine form.

His path toward art began quite early, at the age of fourteen, when he entered an apprenticeship with Page Brothers, a printing house in Norwich. This period of training was essential, as it taught him the discipline of design and the precision of observation through the creation of advertising posters. While working his apprenticeship, he sought further instruction at the Norwich School of Art, attempting to balance the practical demands of the printing house with his growing ambitions as a painter.

A sudden and painful accident in 1898 threatened to derail his burgeoning career. While out in the fields, a bramble and a hound puppy caused him to lose sight in his right eye. Such a blow might have ended the aspirations of a lesser man, but he continued his studies and his work. By 1899, his talent was already being recognized by the Royal Academy of Arts, where his first two paintings were accepted for the Summer Exhibition.

Artistic Development and Newlyn School

As the young man moved away from the practicalities of the printing house, his eyes began to seek the light of the natural world. He spent his early years painting en plein air, a practice that allowed him to capture the shifting atmosphere of the countryside directly from the source. This commitment to working outdoors helped him develop a keen sense of how light interacts with the landscape. His early subjects were drawn from the life he knew so well, often focusing on the rural scenes of the Suffolk countryside. He found much inspiration in the sight of horses and the presence of gypsies roaming through the fields, subjects that would remain central to his vision for many years.

By 1912, his path led him toward the Newlyn School of artists, where he remained associated with the group until 1914. This period was vital for his growth, as he moved deeper into the traditions of representational painting. He was not merely a student of form, but a man deeply invested in the rhythms of the land and the animals that inhabited it. His time with the Newlyn artists helped refine his ability to translate the movement and spirit of his subjects onto the canvas, moving beyond simple observation toward a more profound understanding of his chosen themes.

War Artist and Official Commissions

The Great War pulled Munnings away from the quietude of the English countryside and into the heavy atmosphere of military service. In 1917, his intimate understanding of equine anatomy and temperament led him to work as an army horse examiner at Calcot Park, near Reading, Berkshire. This role required a keen eye for the physical condition of the animals essential to the war effort. His expertise was soon recognized on a larger scale when he was engaged as an official war artist with the Canadian Cavalry Brigade. By early 1918, he found himself embedded with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, witnessing the realities of the front lines firsthand.

This period of conflict left a lasting mark on his perspective, as he moved from observing the simple rhythms of rural life to documenting the vital, often harrowing, logistical and combat roles played by horses in war. His ability to capture these subjects led to further significant recognition after the hostilities had ceased. He was engaged by Lord Beaverbrook's Canadian War Memorials Fund to create works that would memorialize the Canadian war effort. Through these commissions, Munnings transitioned from a painter of local scenes to a chronicler of a nation's sacrifice, securing his place among the most significant artists of his generation.

Patrons, Commissions and Social Circles

As his reputation grew, Munnings found himself moving through the most influential circles of British society. He became a sought-after portraitist, finding steady work among the aristocracy and the high-stakes world of horse racing. These prestigious commissions brought him significant wealth, allowing him to secure Castle House in Dedham, Essex, where he lived and worked for many years. His social standing was reflected in the company he kept; he was a member of Sir Winston Churchill’s Other Club and maintained deep, lifelong friendships with figures such as the artist Dame Laura Knight and the Poet Laureate John Masefield.

His ability to capture the spirit of his subjects allowed him to navigate both the formal halls of the establishment and the more spirited gatherings of the elite. He moved with ease between the quietude of his studio and the lively atmosphere of the racing world. This social fluidity was a hallmark of his middle years, as he transitioned from a young man observing the rural life of Suffolk to a central figure in the nation's cultural landscape. His connections were not merely professional; they were the threads that wove his personal life into the very fabric of mid-century British life.

Technique and Artistic Style

His brush moved with a certain freedom, favoring loose brushwork that allowed a palpable sense of movement to settle upon the canvas. He did not merely seek to replicate a scene but to capture a feeling, often employing a palette that felt alive and full of light. This approach was particularly evident when he turned his attention to the equine form. He possessed a deep mastery of equine portraiture, understanding the way muscle and sinew shifted under skin, a skill that allowed him to portray horses with a profound sense of their spirit and power.

This dedication to the physical reality of his subjects was a constant throughout his career. He aimed to create art that would fill a man's soul with admiration and sheer joy, a goal he pursued through a commitment to representational skill. His ability to translate the energy of a landscape or the tension of a race was recognized on a grand scale, as his work was included in the Olympic art competitions held in 1928, 1932, and 1948. He sought to find the essence of the English countryside, focusing on the rhythms of rural life and the light that washed over the fields.

The Red Prince Mare
Before the Start, Newmarket
Winter Exercise

Later Years and Royal Academy Presidency

The twilight of his career saw Munnings ascend to the very heights of the British art establishment. In 1944, he was elected President of the Royal Academy of Arts, a position he held until 1949. This period marked a significant era of recognition for his lifelong devotion to traditional representation. During that same year, he was knighted a Bachelor, a distinction that reflected his standing within the nation's cultural life. His influence within these institutions was profound, even as he remained a vocal defender of classical values against the shifting tides of modernism.

His honors continued to grow as he moved through the late 1940s. In 1947, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, further cementing his prestige. He spent much of this time at Castle House in Dedham, Essex, where he continued to work and live. The artist remained active in his pursuits until his death on 17 July 1959. His life, which began in the quiet milllands of Suffolk, had come to a close after decades of documenting the movement and spirit of the English countryside.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Munnings remained a steadfast guardian of the old ways, even as the winds of change swept through the galleries of Europe. He held a deep conviction in the necessity of preserving traditional artistic values, a stance that often placed him at odds with the shifting tides of his era. This defiance was most famously heard during a 1949 BBC radio broadcast, where he launched a sharp and candid critique against the rise of Cubism and Surrealism. He did not merely observe these movements from afar; he actively challenged their departure from the representational skill he held dear.

His life was a constant struggle to capture a vanishing England, a pursuit that left behind a vast body of work documenting the rhythms of the countryside and the spirit of the horse. This dedication to the tangible and the real ensured that his vision would persist long after the subjects themselves had faded from the landscape. Even his personal life was marked by a certain intensity of character, a trait that saw him rise from the son of a Suffolk miller to the highest echelons of the British art establishment. Upon his passing, his ashes were interred at St Paul's Cathedral in London, a final resting place befitting a man of such public prominence and conviction.

Where to See the Works Today

To walk through the rooms of the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham, Essex, is to step into the very space where the artist once lived and worked. This museum preserves the atmosphere of his studio, offering a view into the quiet life he built at Castle House. It remains a vital place for those seeking to understand the man through the objects and canvases that surrounded his daily existence.

In Colchester, the Munnings Museum provides a different perspective, holding a collection of approximately 150 paintings and drawings. This site allows for a close study of his technical skill and his devotion to the equestrian subjects that defined his career. Beyond these dedicated spaces, his presence is felt in the great institutions of the capital. The British Museum holds works by the artist, while the National Army Museum in London exhibits his paintings, including those that document the vital role of horses during the Great War.

The Red Prince Mare
The State Procession to Ascot
Winter Exercise
The gypsy

Questions & Answers

Which artworks by Alfred Munnings are the most viewed?

Statistics about Alfred Munnings's works are available on the artist's Stats page.

Where are Alfred Munnings's artworks grouped by technique?

Alfred Munnings's works can be browsed by medium on the artist's All Medium page.

How many artworks by Alfred Munnings are available to browse?

You can browse 1189 artworks by Alfred Munnings on the All Artworks page.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 14, 2026

Collector's quiz

In which country was Sir Alfred James Munnings born?
What was Munnings's profession before becoming a full-time painter?
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Where is the Munnings Art Museum located?

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