Please help repair Snaffles' grave

Supporters of hunting, racing and equestrianism are being urged to support a campaign to help renovate the grave of the artist "Snaffles" which has fallen into disrepair.

Charles "Snaffles" Johnson Payne was best known for his watercolour paintings and drawings of the horse in action, whether it be racing, hunting or other equestrian scenes. He was keen on hunting from an early age and his understanding and appreciation for fieldsports, coupled with his well-known humorous side meant that his work oozed authentic quality.

On discovering the condition of Snaffles' grave, Michael O'Reilly approached the church authorities and local stonemason for an indication of the likely costs involved and has taken on the task of raising funds to repair the grave site.

In contacting David Roe, chairman of the London-based fine art dealers, Rosenstiels, the venture gained more support as Mr Roe offered a generous donation to kick-start the project.

Those wishing to contribute to this project can send cheques payable to Spire Memorials, to Rose Cottage, Hughley, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 9NX (ideally before the end of September 2021). You can also donate via the GoFundMe page, here.

Any donations remaining after the cost has been reached will be split equally between the Countryside Alliance and the British Sporting Art Trust.

"This is a wonderful project that will help protect the memory of one of our greatest sporting artists," explained Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance. "We look forward to receiving updates as the repair work on the grave progresses."