Memorial Day weekend marks the grand opening of the exhibit "Paul Brown: Artist and Illustrator" at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA. The exhibit will run through September 3, 2001. The largest display of his works ever mounted, this exhibition will examine Brown's unique contributions to both commercial illustration and fine art.
Paul Desmond Brown (1893-1958) was a prolific illustrator and artist of equestrian sports and country life. Although he never owned a horse, he was an avid fan of horse sports and frequented hunt race meetings, polo matches, racetracks and horse shows. He studied everything about horses and became an expert at portraying them. He is especially known for his gift to accurately depict horses in motion. During his career, he wrote and illustrated 32 books and illustrated another 100 by various authors. In addition to books, his works appeared in numerous periodicals including Collier's, Cosmopolitan, Liberty, Elks, The American Legion, Country Life, Spur, Polo, The Sportsman and many others. As a commercial artist, he is recognized for the hundreds of drawings used by Brooks Brothers of New York in their advertising and promotional materials.
"We think it's the first time ever for a Paul Brown show, national or private," said John Head, Director of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. "We are very grateful to all of the private collectors from around the country who have loaned fine art, prints, books, personal memorabilia and other items to the Museum for this show"
The weekend will also feature two lectures by M.L. "Duke" Biscotti, author of Paul Brown, Master Equine Artist on Saturday, May 26 at 4 pm and again on Sunday, May 27 at 12 noon. Seating is very limited. Call 703-777-2414 for reservations.
The opening of the exhibit coincides with Museum's annual Member's Reception and the Virginia Fox Hound show, the largest foxhound competition in North America. The Hound Show begins at 8 am on Sunday, May 27. Morven Park will be open to the public throughout the weekend. Commemorative posters featuring Paul Brown's "Aiken Hunters Steeplechase" (1931) will be available.
For a detailed schedule of events or more information please call 703-777-2414.
Directions: Morven Park is located just west of downtown Leesburg off of Rt. 7 (Market Street). Turn north onto Fairview Street, go almost a mile to the dead end at Old Waterford Road. Turn left, go 500 feet to the main gate on the right.
Morven Park is operated in the public interest by the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization founded to protect and promote the historic and cultural resources of Morven Park.
Photographs are available for your use. Please call me at 703-777-2890 to request images.
For More Information Contact:
Pamela Woolley 703-777-2890
Morven Park International Equestrian Center
Paul Draisey 540/687-3772
KBK Communications, Inc.
