Gilbert Joseph Holiday British, 1879-1937
This action packed scene, mid chukka depicts India (represented by Kashmir) v Hurlingham (representing England), playing at the Hurlingham Club in 1935. Equally matched with a 27 goal handicap per team, Hurlingham won this high goal encounter. Holiday captures the pace of the game, with the pack at full gallop pursuing the ball; in the foreground is a rider in red on a grey, leaning out of the saddle preparing for a nearside shot or hook, the player in front on the chestnut has just hit the ball on the offside; in the distance spectators watch the action from the shade of the trees. A list of the riders is inscribed in on the reverse as follows:
Kashmir
1. Maj Gen Nawab Khusru Jung 5
2. Capt C T I Roark 8 Replaced Abbey Sing who was injured. Not sure of his regt
3. Capt P B Sangar 8 PAVO
4. HH The Maharajah of Kashmir 5
Hurlingham
1. Capt B J Fowler 3RHA 7
2. Capt W R N Hinde 15/19H 8 played in the Olympic team so might have been 8
3. Mr EH Tyrrell-Martin 7 correct
4. Maj J F Harrison RHG 5 won the Inter Regt in 1910 so must have been getting on
Also listed is, Kimberley - referring to the Earl of Kimberley who was a big sponsor of the game at the time and probably funded this match and commissioned Holiday to paint it; and W? Gannon ? Lt Colonel
Secretary and Manager, The Hurlingham Club - referring to Brig Jack Gannon Secretary of the Hurlingham Club.