Capturing the country world on film has been a hobby since childhood for one of the country’s leading sporting and wildlife photographers, Charles Sainsbury-Plaice.
Now his evocative black and white images are proving popular at an exhibition at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School.
Charlie, a regular contributor to H&H and Country Life, can boast 46 front covers of The Field. He has also completed commissions by the Duchy of Cornwall working with the Prince of Wales.
“I grew up as an only child on a farm in Hampshire and took solace in photographing the animals and horses,” said Charlie.
“We were living next to the Polhampton Stud owned by The Queen when her 1000 Guineas winner Highclere was born. I was the first person to photograph the foal, with my Polaroid. I must have been eight or nine.
“I understand The Queen also had some official pictures taken of Highclere, but she chose [to display] my photo.”
Located in the shooting school’s gallery, Charlie’s first exhibition of black and white images, framed in solid wood frames and printed on Hahnemuhle rag (meaning they will last a lifetime without fading), reflects the sporting life of the British Isles and, indeed, abroad.
Subject matters include polo, hunting, shooting and other country sports in Spain.
Prices start at £175. Royal Berkshire Shooting School Gallery. Tel: 01491 672900.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (28 January, ’07)
