Combining classical technique with a lifetime’s first-hand knowledge of racing, Eddery creates paintings and drawings that go beyond likeness to capture character, history and legacy — bringing a contemporary perspective to the enduring tradition of British sporting art.
Nichola Eddery is a classically trained British artist specialising in equine and sporting art. Born into a distinguished horse racing family, she is the fourth generation of a celebrated racing dynasty of jockeys and trainers. Her father was an eleven-time Champion Jockey, and Eddery grew up on a stud immersed in the world of thoroughbred racing. A lifelong rider who has also ridden racehorses, she brings an instinctive understanding of the horse and the traditions of the sport to her work.
Eddery trained at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence before continuing her studies in France, Italy and the United States. Rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters, her classical training continues to inform her draughtsmanship, use of light and approach to composition and storytelling. At the heart of Eddery’s sporting work is an interest in racing history, heritage and legacy. Alongside individual racehorse and sporting portraits, she creates bespoke Legacy Horse Racing Commissions, bringing together significant horses, racing silks, victories and personal history to tell the story of an owner, family or set of colours. Conceived as lasting records of a racing legacy, these works celebrate the achievements and traditions of the sport for future generations.
Her racing paintings also explore the relationship between contemporary racing and its past. A heritage work depicting jockey James Doyle in The King’s colours reflects the history, ceremony and pageantry of British racing, bringing a contemporary subject into dialogue with the sport’s long artistic tradition. Eddery’s fascination with history and visual storytelling extends to her paintings of dogs. Drawing upon classical mythology and the Old Masters, her work has explored Diana, goddess of the hunt, while other paintings consider the representation and symbolism of dogs throughout art history.
Over a career spanning more than twenty years, Eddery has exhibited extensively in London and internationally. Her work is held in private collections worldwide, including those of the Saudi and Qatari Royal families and leading figures within international racing. Notable equine subjects include Sadler’s Wells, Honor Code, Postponed and Simple Verse.
Eddery was Artist in Residence at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket, where her portrait of jockey Khadijah Mellah is held in the permanent collection. Her work has also received international recognition as a finalist in the International ARC Salon. Combining classical technique with a lifetime’s first-hand knowledge of racing, Eddery creates paintings and drawings that go beyond likeness to capture character, history and legacy — bringing a contemporary perspective to the enduring tradition of British sporting art.
Nichola is available for commissions, please contact the gallery for more information.