Platinum Jubilee Pageant

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant was not to be missed. The historic Gold State Coach has not been seen on London streets for 2 decades! The magnificent Windsor Greys (all 8 of them) glided along pulling the opulent coach from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace on the day of The Queen’s coronation in 1953, making Her the longest-reigning monarch in history. The mounted band of the Household Cavalry led the Gold State Coach along the pageant route back to Buckingham Palace. This will inspire my sculptural pieces for the December exhibition in London!

Copyright Adam Blackmore-Heel

Trooping the Colour

I have had a busy start to the year capturing all the Jubilee events, from visiting the Royal Cavalry of Oman and La Guard Republicaine (Paris), who performed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. To sketching behind the scenes at Trooping the Colour and the magnificent Birthday Pageant for The Queen.

The Shire Drum Horses of the Household Cavalry carry the rank as Major and are pivotal to the pomp and glory of the event. These wonderful horses which usually stand at over 17 hands high and weighing 800 kilograms are controlled by reins connected to the riders stirrups as their hands are busy playing the solid silver Base and Snare kettle drums.

Over 200 horses from The Kings Troop Royal Artillery were involved in Trooping the Colour to mark the official birthday of The Queen. Starting at Buckingham Palace, the parade headed towards Horse Guards were they were joined by members of the royal family on horses. Next, I will be focusing on developing these paintings and sculpture back in the studio for a unique London exhibition in December!

Copyright Adam Blackmore-Heel

The Royal Windsor Horse Show

What a brilliant few days I had capturing The Platinum Jubilee Celebration at The Royal Windsor Horse Show. I was able to take lots of photographs and videos of ceremonial horses in the arena and behind the scenes. These, along with some sketches, will now form the basis of sculptures and paintings to be exhibited in December this year. I have so much material to work from and even found time to do some sculpting on site too!

Below pictured is ‘Ed’ the Shire Drum Horse and his rider musician Dominic Buswell, 26, from Poole. This friendly horse stands at a remarkable is 17 hands high and weighs over 800 kilograms! The Shire drum Horses are part of the Household Cavalry and carry solid silver kettle drums wither side of their withers, a vital part of the Cavalry and hugely respected.

Copyright Nico Wills

The King's Troop Royal Artillery

Copyright Adam Blackmore-Heel

A great day watching The King’s Troop Royal Artillery firing their 41 gun salute for the state opening of parliament. I love catching these horses in action. Such a great example of power, grace and team work (with a healthy slab of gunpowder!). Very much inspired to capture these beauties in bronze….watch this space!

All part of my role as The Artist-in-Residence during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!

La Garde Républicaine

Tasked with the protection of Paris, La Garde Républicaine has a history dating back to 1750 and continues to provide protection to the dignitaries of Paris today - most notably the president.

Copyright @garderepublicaineofficiel

I was honoured to be asked to visit their Cavalry Regiment, based in the heart of Paris, who were preparing for their Royal Windsor Horse Show display 'Le Maison du Roy'. Established by King Louis XV, this beautifully choreographed display presents the techniques of the 18C French Riding School. All part of my role as The Artist-in-Residence during The Queen's Platinum Jubilee - you can find out more by going to my website (link in my profile). A huge thanks goes out to all involved in making the trip a great success. I now have far too much material and will need to run a whole separate exhibition on La Garde Républicaine!

Royal Cavalry of Oman

A catch up from the last few weeks - It was an honour to be invited out to Muscat, Oman, to see The Royal Cavalry rehearse for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration.⁠ Throughout my week in Oman I was able to sketch and photograph horses and performers who will be part of The Royal Windsor Horse Show. Over 90 horses will be hopping on planes and touching down here in the UK over the next few days!⁠

The sketches and photos will form the basis of larger paintings and sculpture I will create for my role as the Artist-in-Residence during The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. ⁠The role will culminate with a solo exhibition in London at the end of the year.