Zoë Carmichael, celebrated sculptor and the first ever Sculptor-in-Residence to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR), is proud to unveil a trio of bronze sculptures that commemorate the work of over 200 Military Working Horses. The sculptures will be exhibited at the Osborne Studio Gallery, alongside the stunning photography by fine art photographer Ripley, from 17th October to 2nd November.
The sculptures feature three iconic horses:
Juno: A Drum Horse and the first mare to pass the rigorous selection process for a drum horse, named by Her Majesty, Queen Camilla.
Verona: A Charger of The Life Guards, representing strength and grace.
Hastings: A Standard Horse of The Blues and Royals, a symbol of resilience and tradition.
These bronzes, meticulously sculpted in person at Hyde Park Barracks, pay tribute to the historic and ongoing role of the Household Cavalry in British ceremonial life. The exhibition marks a significant moment in the Regiment’s history, showcasing the artistry and skill that bring these military horses to life in bronze.
Each sculpture is a limited edition of 25, beautifully mounted on Italian marble bases with gold leaf engraving. Notably, 10% of all sales will be donated to the Household Cavalry Foundation, supporting the Regiment’s work and legacy. The gallery is located less than half a mile away from the regiment’s Hyde Park Barracks.
Speaking ahead of her first public London exhibition, Carmichael said:
“The Household Cavalry went to great lengths to help me sculpt in their camp, amidst the daily rhythm of life with their horses. It was an honour to capture these magnificent animals, and every detail, from the expression in their eyes to the swish of their tails, was carefully crafted to reflect their character and role in the Regiment. For instance, Verona gazes to the left as she would during a parade at Buckingham Palace, with her Life Guard division behind her.”
Lt Colonel Mathew Woodward, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, praised the collaboration between the artists:
“We are immensely proud that the work of the Household Cavalry has served as a source of inspiration for both Ripley and Zoë Carmichael. Their stunning creations, in both sculpture and photography, beautifully celebrate the Regiment’s horses and its legacy. We are delighted that this exhibition is taking place so close to the Hyde Park Barracks and that a portion of the sales will support the Household Cavalry Foundation.”
About Zoë Carmichael
Zoë Carmichael SEA is an award-winning sculptor who specialises in bronze sculptures of animals, particularly the equine form. Carmichael trained at the renowned Studio Galleria Romanelli in Florence in 2022 under the tutelage of Raffaello Romanelli, learning the Old Master Techniques of bronze sculpture. Romanelli placed Carmichael in the top 1% of students he’s taught in 15 years, and she has been labelled as “one to watch” by art world experts.
Carmichael has become the first ever Sculptor-in-Residence to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Her work has won the prize for ‘Best Sculpture’ at the ‘Horses in Art’ Exhibition in both 2023 and 2024, as well as ‘Best in Show’ for 2024. Carmichael’s work has been selected to be on show at ‘Horse Show’, Messums West open now, the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition at The Mall Galleries in November, and her full works, paired with Ripley, at The Osborne Studio Gallery, London from 17th October to 2nd November. Commissions range from Grade One racehorses (the record-breaking ‘Kitty’s Light’) to the Worshipful Company of Coopers’ shire horse mascot, ‘Ajax’.
Carmichael aims to have a broader social impact by building relationships with local and international charities, for example, Waterberg Rhino UK and the Household Cavalry Foundation. Carmichael most often works from life, sculpting on site with her subject whether big or small, domesticated or not! Her studio is in Gloucestershire and the foundry is in Basingstoke, UK.