Wickham fair 2025 - by Alan Langford

Alan Langford is a freelance artist and illustrator who specialises in equestrian subject matter and is a full member of the Society of Equestrian Artists. He is based near the New Forest, where he enjoys painting on location.

Outstanding Equestrian Artist Alan Langford who has spent most of his life drawing horses in and around the new forest and also visits the many community horse fairs, drawing on location. 

Whilst visiting Wickham Fair this year equipped and ready for sketching, this year he noticed how the flashing lane was very narrow to previous years but was inspired to draw from memory. 

I had the privilege of opening my inbox to a beautiful sketch of the day and also an array of photographs taken by Alan. 

Alan has had a career in art spanning over 30 years. 

He began his artistic career in 1979, working as a full-time illustrator for “Etchmasters” of Alresford, illustrating topographical scenes in pen and ink, which were transferred on to copper plaques. After three years at “Etchmasters”, Alan went freelance working through a Fleet Street artist agency, illustrating comics, book covers and fantasy game books.

Since then, Alan has illustrated history books, encyclopaedias, adventure stories, myths and legends.

Alan is a well-known character around the New Forest and beyond and has built a strong relationship with the Romany community far and wide. 

Alan is not only a brilliant artist, but he is an inspiration and a gentleman, I’m very proud to call him a friend. 

Thank you, Alan, for the sketch and the photos. 

Words by Dee Cooper for the Travellers Times

(Photos By Alan Langford . Lead sketch: Wickham Fair 2025, by Alan Langford)