Thelwell’s Pony Parade: A Century of Charm and Wit

11 December 2023 – 7 February 2024
Living Horse Museum, Amsterdam

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Commissioned by the Living Horse Museum, this exhibition was curated by Joyce Ter Horst to mark the centenary of renowned British illustrator Norman Thelwell. Developed in close collaboration with the artist’s son, David Thelwell, Thelwell’s Pony Parade honoured the illustrator’s remarkable legacy and enduring influence on equine art and visual culture.

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The exhibition presented a carefully curated cross-section of Thelwell’s artistic journey. The first gallery focused on his early years—featuring works created during his teens, time in the army, as a teacher, and as a contributor to Punch magazine. The second gallery explored his creative process through original sketchbooks, preliminary drawings, watercolours, personal materials, and a short video impression of his life and studio practice.

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Visitors praised both the curatorial framing and the quality of the presentation, with one reviewer describing the experience as 'delightful and educational.'The exhibition received widespread attention in national and equestrian media, celebrating Thelwell’s contribution to humour, illustration and horsemanship across generations.