Behind the Scenes at Astley's
1840
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1840
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a busy Astley’s Amphitheatre backstage. Riders in bright costumes wait, while grooms lead horses. A man in a red coat and gold shoulder pieces stands front and center—John Esdaile Widdicomb, the riding master. Widdicomb once acted with the famous clown Joseph Grimaldi. Later he trained riders at Astley’s, famous for horse shows. The scene feels alive. You can almost hear the horses and smell the sawdust. If you like this, check the Victoria and Albert Museum.
