Thoroughbred Park Sculptor to Sell Personal Art Collection

Gwen Reardon, the sculptor and artist responsible for the spectacular bronze horses at Lexington’s Thoroughbred Park, will sell more than 60 pieces from her personal collection at auction on November 8, 2019 conducted by Bluegrass Auction, Appraisal & Realty LLC.

Reardon, 87, is well known for her life-size bronze sculptures of famous equines, which have been commissioned by individuals and organizations all over the world. Best known for Thoroughbred Park, her life-sized works also appear at the Kentucky Horse Park, Equestrian Park at Lexington Bluegrass Airport, as well as the bronze of Native Dancer in Centennial Park in Saratoga, N.Y.

While celebrated for her stunning life-sized bronze sculptures, Reardon also is well known for her work in oil paintings and other media, as well as for her work with a variety of breeds including Morgan horses, Thoroughbreds, Saddlebreds, and others.

More than 60 pieces of her personal portfolio will be offered, including several one of a kind and artist proof bronze sculptures, original oil paintings, sketches in ink and pencil, and rare pieces in media such as cast paper. Many of these works are award winning and numerous pieces have never been offered to the public. Subjects include famous thoroughbreds Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer, Lexington and Raise a Native, as well as Saddlebreds such as My My, Wing Commander, and others.

Notable pieces include a breathtaking one-third life-size bronze of “Wild Ponies”, a nearly 10 foot by 5 foot bronze casting of a bay, buckskin, and pinto at play which resided outside Ms. Reardon’s studio. Also offered is “Morgan Horse Mural,” a stunning 8’x12’ telling of the tale of the Morgan horse breed.

“We’re honored and excited to be part of this once in a lifetime event” said Chuck McKee, Principal Auctioneer for Bluegrass Auction, Appraisal & Realty, LLC of Lexington. “Ms. Reardon is one of the world’s most respected equine artists and her works have been offered almost exclusively by commission, so this opportunity for people to have one of her original works cannot be overstated. Ms. Reardon has been extremely generous in offering these works that have meant the most to her over the years and letting them go to a new home.”

Clients have said that it is remarkable how the unique spirit and personality of the horses come through so clearly in Reardon’s work, showing that her understanding of the animals goes far beyond being an artist; it is indeed the product of a lifetime of her personal, hands-on involvement with horses.

The daughter of a prominent Saddlebred trainer, Reardon became an accomplished equestrienne at an early age. She won at Madison Square Garden, and was champion at multiple horse shows around the nation. As a horse farm manager, owner and professional trainer for more than 40 years, Reardon worked with many breeds of horses including but not limited to Saddlebreds, Morgans, Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Thoroughbreds.

The catalog and online bidding for the sale is available at the Bluegrass Auction website, www.bluegrassauction.com, along with complete terms and details. The live sale will be a special Friday evening event beginning at 7pm, inspection beginning at 10am, located at the gallery at 1163 Floyd Drive in Lexington KY, 40505. Online bidding is available on the website for those who cannot attend.

Please contact Chuck McKee at (859) 389-8650 or chuck@bluegrassauction.com for inquiries and high resolution images.