Anne Bullen (1912-1963) was, and still is, a much-loved artist and illustrator of books. She was considered a legendary figure in the equestrian world, with her work engulfing the spirit of an ideal childhood filled with sunshine, freedom and riding ponies in the countryside.
In December 2020, an exhibition of seventy re-discovered original works from Anne will be for sale, which will no doubt act as a nostalgia trip for those who were lucky enough to enjoy her work as a child.
About Anne Bullen
Anne Bullen studied classical principles at the Academie Julien in Paris, and Chelsea School of Art. She married Lt.Colonel Jack Bullen, and together they founded the famous Catherston Stud in Dorset, to breed, train and sell ‘ top class children’s ponies’. They presented a pony, Juniper, to HRH Prince Charles, in 1954. The Duchess of Cornwall has written a foreword to the exhibition catalogue.
Their six children, three boys, then three girls, were all brilliant high achieving riders, winners of innumerable international awards. Jane and Sarah have compiled touching memories about learning to ride, and life at Catherston Manor.
GB Gold Medal Winning Team Member, Jane Holderness Roddam (nee Bullen) –recalls:
Most of her [Anne’s] pictures were done with a pencil: HB and HB2 were her favourites. Some were done with charcoal, crayon, ink, even biro, as well as watercolour or a mixture of any of the above.’ ‘She simply saw something she liked and drew it from memory.’
Anne understood equestrian anatomy as well as any of the Old Masters (George Stubbs, Leonardo Da Vinci) Jane went on to reveal:
She gave lectures about the evolution of The Horse to institutions and colleges, using her own anatomical drawings. She showed how correct training can develop the muscles of the neck and back to carry the weight of a rider more easily.
Critics appreciate this genuine knowledge about equestrian conformation in her art, as well as its spiritual quality. One wrote: ‘with a few flowing lines her drawings have a feeling for lightness and movement.’
The Anne Bullen exhibition and final collection of original works for sale will be held from December 1st – 19th, at the London’s leading gallery for equestrian art, the Osborne Studio Osg Gallery.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.