A person riding a horse in front of Christie's auction house, with a woman walking beside them.

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 person examining a black and white photograph of a horse, with other hands touching the horse's body in the image.

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.


Photographs hanging on a white gallery wall, including a sunset scene with silhouettes and a person riding an animal in an open field.

Hacket London Polo 150

Curated By Carrie Scott

Black-and-white photograph of a person leading a horse outdoors in a field with ruins in the background, displayed on a gallery wall.
A woman in black standing at a table with a floral centerpiece, speaking to a group in a formal setting. Other people are seated around the table, with a person with glasses visible. The background features artwork on the walls and silhouettes of horse riders.
Two men talking at an exhibit about the 150th anniversary of polo, with a poster displaying historical photos and text in the background.
A group of people at an art gallery or exhibition, laughing and chatting near a tableset with drinks and food, with artworks of horses displayed on the walls.
Black and white photograph of a man riding a horse indoors, with large windows and a city street visible in the background.
Black and white photographs of horse racing and polo scenes displayed in a glass case at Christie's auction house.
Two people viewing artwork in an art gallery with framed black and white photographs on the wall, and greenery in the foreground.
Three black and white photographs of horses hanging on a white wall, with reflections visible on a shiny surface below.
Black and white photograph of an art gallery with large windows. Two large framed photographs of a person riding a horse are hanging inside. The gallery has tables and chairs in the foreground, with some plants and blurred details, and outside, you can see cars passing by.