A Celebration of Polo’s Legacy
To mark the 150th anniversary of Polo, Hackett London presents Hackett x Polo 150, a unique exhibition at Christie’s London, curated by Carrie Scott. This show explores the deep-rooted relationship between the sport and its enduring cultural significance, featuring a rich collection of historical artifacts alongside monumental contemporary fine art prints.
Spanning over a century of Polo’s history, the exhibition presents rare photographs dating back as early as the 1900s, including images of mounted infantry playing polo on donkeys and striking 1920s compositions of military officers at Hurlingham, witnessing one of the first Polo matches between the French Army and Hurlingham Club. With over 30 objects on view, the exhibition offers a remarkable insight into Polo’s heritage, its role in military tradition, and its evolution as a sport of elegance and prestige.
The Royal Connection
Polo has long been associated with the British Royal Family, and this exhibition brings together a heartfelt collection of images capturing their deep personal connection to the sport. A rare photograph from 1967 shows Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, engaged in a bicycle polo match at Windsor, revealing a playful side of the game. Other images highlight more intimate moments, such as Charles, Prince of Wales, laughing at an unexpected moment during a match featuring his father, or receiving a congratulatory kiss on the hand from Queen Elizabeth II after a victorious game. The exhibition also unveils charming, unseen photographs of a young Prince William and Prince Harry in the early 1990s, playfully staging their own version of Polo—testament to the sport’s lasting influence across generations.
Adding to the exhibition’s exclusivity, we are honored to debut never-before-seen works by the acclaimed photographer Slim Aarons, whose images of Polo capture the glamour and social elegance surrounding the game.
A Contemporary Perspective on Polo
Alongside these historical treasures, Hackett x Polo 150 introduces a new vision of Polo, showcasing works by six contemporary photographers—Sam Churchill, Aline Coquelle, Abi Hancock, Dominic James, Irina Kazaridi, and Uli Weber—whose never-before-exhibited compositions reimagine the sport through a modern lens.
These contemporary works strip the game back to its purest elements, emphasizing the strength, grace, and symbiotic relationship between horse and rider. In Uli Weber’s newly commissioned series for Hackett London, he captures the raw power of Polo, balancing equine strength with human precision. As Weber describes, his images “highlight the raw and powerful nature of equine power versus human strength, yet also show the beauty and grace of that relationship. The inspiration came from the relationship between horse and rider and the mysterious, symbiotic, and ancient relationship between man and beast.”
This contemporary curation challenges traditional perceptions of Polo, offering a fresh, artistic perspective that transcends the sport itself. The compositions are not just about Polo; they are studies in poise, power, and timeless elegance.
More Than a Sport: A Way of Life
As evidenced by the diverse range of works in Hackett x Polo 150: Celebrating British Army Polo, Polo is more than just a game—it is a philosophy, a value system, and a way of life. The exhibition captures the courage, speed, precision, and joy that define Polo, while celebrating its ongoing significance in British Army life.
For two days only, this extraordinary exhibition at Christie’s London offers a rare opportunity to experience the heritage, artistry, and passion of Polo—from its earliest military origins to its contemporary reinvention as an enduring symbol of strength, elegance, and tradition.
