Frances Mabel Hollams – Wild Wave 1914

Recently posted on our website is a portrait of a Bay Horse named “Wild Wave” painted by Frances Mabel Hollams in 1914. Unusually the picture is signed with her initials; F M F. The last initial indicating her married surname, “Fox”.

Hollams was married to land agent Charles Lionel Fox who worked for the Fairlawne Estate, Tonbridge, Kent. The Fairlawne Estate was owned by the Cazelet family, who were well-known racehorse owners and trainers. Major Peter Cazalet was the trainer of horses owned by the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother – who used to stay at the estate on visits. In addition to the Cazalets, Hollams patrons included the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Sefton, and Lord Cornwallis.