Things are really beginning to take shape at Palace House in the lead up to the grand opening of the brand new National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art in October this year!

Over the last few weeks they have received the first works of art for installation. The artwork will continue to come from around the country to create the first ever national gallery of Sporting Art in a sporting palace and a new home for the British Sporting Art Trust.

“As the first phase of the installation draws to a close, it is fantastic to see the art gallery starting to take shape,” says Dr Cicely Robinson, Assistant Curator (British Sporting Art). “With artworks travelling from public and private collections across the country, Palace House will be a truly national centre for the exhibition of sporting art,” she adds.

A significant loan of 17 works has arrived from the Tate forming part of the fantastic collection which will include some magnificent paintings by world famous artists, including Walter Sickert, Peter Blake and Mark Wallinger.

And what better venue for such a celebration of history than Palace House in Newmarket? Built in the 1670s, it is the last surviving element of Charles II’s racing palace, a King responsible for the birth of organised horseracing in the town 350 years ago.

Watch this space for more news, but in the meantime, why not take a tour of our historic town to learn about its rich history and heritage.

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