Exhibitions

All Year

Paintings by Sir Alfred Munnings

The walls of Castle House are sumptuously adorned with both well-known pictures by Sir Alfred Munnings and lesser seen sketches and studies taken from the artist’s studio when he died in 1959.

Thickly painted impressionistic scenes of ponies standing still against the bright East Anglian sunshine jostle for position with smoothly painted racing thoroughbreds, jockeys a-blaze in brightly coloured silks.

Delicate pencil portraits of Indian soldiers returning, wearily, from the Western Front pull at the soul in stark contrast to the amusing cartoons which give rise to a small chuckle.

Sir Alfred Munnings’ former studio stands in the grounds of Castle House with ponies looking on from the paddocks nearby. The studio still contains his props and painting tools.

21st June to 26th October 2025

“A Long, Glittering Line”

21st June to 26th October

In 1925, rising star of the art world, Alfred Munnings was commissioned by Queen Mary to paint the Royal Family arriving at Ascot. Excited by the challenge, Munnings was also enthralled by the pomp and colour of the Royal Procession which he described later in his autobiography as “a long, glittering line”.

Over several days Munnings sketched the procession making its way through Windsor Great Park and during the year that followed Munnings, working for some of the time in a makeshift studio in the stables at Windsor Castle, captured the necessary details to complete his vision for the finished scene.

Of the resulting pictures, “The State Procession to Ascot, 1925”, was purchased by Queen Mary and is now in the Royal Collection. A second painting, “Their Majesties’ Return from Ascot”, a large and striking canvas, was purchased by Tate in 1937.

The Munnings Art Museum is delighted to present these two paintings, kindly lent by His Majesty The King and Tate, which will be displayed alongside their rarely seen preparatory work from the museum’s own collection. This special exhibition will tell the story and context of the commission and explore the approaches and painting techniques used by Munnings to complete the project.

Enjoy 12 months unlimited visits to the museum with our Year Pass!


Year Pass admits one during advertised opening hours. FREE guided tours and discounts on selected events.