Michael Joseph (1941-) - White horse chatting up black horse
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Selected by Kai Brückner
Over 35 years' experience; former gallery owner and Museum Folkwang curator.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,050
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White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse, a 1969 gelatin-silver print by Michael Joseph, is a vintage edition in a recycled frame, hand signed, and measures 37 cm by 29 cm in original state.
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Description from the seller
White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse – Richmond Park
Michael Joseph | Signed Black & White Photographic Print | London
An elegant picnic, a romantic encounter, two horses having a conversation of their own - and a wonderfully theatrical moment from the imagination of Michael Joseph.
Beneath the sweeping branches of an ancient tree in London's Richmond Park, a gentleman in elaborate period military dress leans towards an elegantly dressed young woman, apparently attempting to charm her over a luxurious picnic.
Behind them, two saddled horses - one white, one black - stand facing one another, almost nose to nose, as though engaged in their own private conversation.
The photographer's handwritten title, "White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse!", reveals the delightful humour behind the composition.
The picnic basket, the gentleman's ornate uniform, the lady's magnificent feathered hat and the carefully positioned horses combine to create a scene that feels like a still from an extravagant historical film.
Yet there is something wonderfully mischievous about it all.
Michael Joseph – Master of the Extraordinary Advertising Photograph
Michael Joseph (born 1941) was one of Britain's most imaginative advertising photographers, particularly celebrated for his elaborate compositions, theatrical storytelling and remarkable ability to orchestrate scenes involving large groups of people and animals.
His career included important advertising campaigns for White Horse Whisky, a brand whose imagery provided an ideal setting for his distinctive combination of elegance, humour and equestrian subjects.
Joseph's ability to direct horses, actors, models and complex outdoor scenes became one of his professional trademarks.
Perhaps his most internationally celebrated achievement came in June 1968, when he photographed the Rolling Stones for their legendary Beggars Banquet album project.
Those extraordinary photographs, created at Sarum Chase in London and Swarkestone Hall Pavilion in Derbyshire, remain among the most recognisable images in rock photography.
The same theatrical imagination is evident in this delightful Richmond Park photograph: an entire story captured within a single carefully composed frame.
An Unmistakably British Sense of Humour
What makes this photograph so appealing is the contrast between its romantic, almost aristocratic setting and its playful title.
While the gentleman concentrates on impressing his companion, the two horses appear to be conducting a courtship of their own.
It is precisely this combination of technical sophistication, visual storytelling and gentle absurdity that makes Michael Joseph's photography so distinctive.
The beautifully detailed black-and-white image also offers a charming glimpse into the imaginative world of classic British advertising photography.
Photographer: Michael Joseph (born 1941)
Title: White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse!
Location: Richmond Park, London
Medium: Black-and-white photographic print
Signature: Michael Joseph's signature on the front mount
Inscription: Handwritten title and location
Presentation: White photographic mount
Provenance: Directly from the Michael Joseph family archive
Reverse: Gallery authenticity label
A Delightful Collector's Piece
An enchanting photograph for collectors of British advertising history, equestrian photography, vintage fashion, classic black-and-white imagery and the work of Michael Joseph.
Its romantic period setting, wonderfully expressive horses and unmistakable sense of humour make it an artwork that rewards a second look.
Two people enjoying a romantic picnic. Two horses apparently doing exactly the same.
A beautifully orchestrated moment of British photographic wit, from the photographer who helped create some of the most memorable advertising and music imagery of the twentieth century.
#MichaelJoseph #WhiteHorseWhisky #RichmondPark #BritishPhotography #VintagePhotography #EquestrianPhotography #HorsePhotography #AdvertisingPhotography #RollingStones #BeggarsBanquet #BlackAndWhitePhotography #FineArtPhotography #SignedPhotography #PhotographyCollectors #Catawiki
Seller's Story
My father, Michael Joseph, was a London-based advertising photographer from the 1960s to the early 1990s, perhaps best known for his iconic photographs for the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet album.
Such was Michael’s extraordinary talent for orchestrating elaborate group scenes, often bringing together large numbers of people and animals in seemingly effortless harmony, that these wonderfully theatrical compositions became known within the advertising industry simply as “a Michael Joseph” - a style so distinctive that his name became a description in its own right.
Our continuing mission is to share what we affectionately call “the other photographs”: lesser-known treasures from his remarkable archive, including original vintage darkroom prints, experimental test prints, alternative images from major shoots, celebrated group compositions and more intimate, personal photographs.
Among our most exciting discoveries is Michael’s extraordinary 1964 Vietnam archive, photographed when he was just 23. Many of these powerful images have never previously been exhibited or offered for sale, revealing a fascinating, lesser-known side of his career.
There is also a wonderfully poetic quality to much of his work: unexpected encounters, fleeting moments and what we like to call “immortalised instants” - those unrepeatable fragments of everyday life that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
All beautifully summed up in Michael’s favourite adage:
“Always keep a camera handy, every minute of your living day.”
A philosophy he certainly lived by, leaving us an extraordinary collection that we are still discovering today.
Alongside Michael’s authentic vintage prints, we are introducing new interpretations of his work: striking photographic prints on aluminium and handmade cyanotypes, created from his original negatives and transparencies using the Dordogne sunshine. Some are produced on vintage papers from Michael’s own photographic library, giving these historic materials a wonderful new lease of life.
Together, these works celebrate photographic history and contemporary creativity - from unique prints made by Michael himself to imaginative new interpretations of his archive.
We hope you enjoy discovering these photographs as much as we enjoy bringing them to light!
A Small Note About the Presentation Photographs
Some of our in situ illustrations showing artworks displayed in interiors have been created using artificial intelligence (AI).
These are intended simply to help you imagine how a piece might look in a home, office or gallery. Although we aim for faithful representations, proportions and scale may occasionally vary.
Please refer to the actual artwork photographs and stated dimensions for an accurate representation of your purchase.
A Personal Note About Packaging
We prepare and pack every artwork ourselves, taking great care to protect each piece with several layers of suitable materials.
To keep costs down and minimise waste, we reuse and upcycle packaging wherever possible. Your parcel may therefore contain recycled cardboard, protective sleeves, old photographic boxes or envelopes - occasionally even materials from Michael’s own photographic library!
And please don't be surprised if the outside looks rather plain, or even a little unattractive. This is often deliberate! We prefer valuable or irreplaceable artworks to travel as inconspicuously as possible.
One small favour: please unwrap your parcel slowly and carefully.
We sometimes use several layers of cardboard, paper and protective wrapping, secured with tape. Please take particular care when using scissors or a blade, as tape can occasionally catch on adjoining layers or items inside.
We would rather spend a little extra time protecting your purchase than risk damage in transit, and hope you will forgive our occasionally unconventional packaging!
After all, it's what's inside that matters, not the wrapping!
Every purchase helps us preserve, explore and share Michael’s remarkable photographic archive, while giving these images a new home and another chapter in their history.
For US Buyers
Customs duties and applicable import charges are paid at source and included in the shipping cost. No additional charges should normally be payable upon delivery, subject to changes in customs regulations.
White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse – Richmond Park
Michael Joseph | Signed Black & White Photographic Print | London
An elegant picnic, a romantic encounter, two horses having a conversation of their own - and a wonderfully theatrical moment from the imagination of Michael Joseph.
Beneath the sweeping branches of an ancient tree in London's Richmond Park, a gentleman in elaborate period military dress leans towards an elegantly dressed young woman, apparently attempting to charm her over a luxurious picnic.
Behind them, two saddled horses - one white, one black - stand facing one another, almost nose to nose, as though engaged in their own private conversation.
The photographer's handwritten title, "White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse!", reveals the delightful humour behind the composition.
The picnic basket, the gentleman's ornate uniform, the lady's magnificent feathered hat and the carefully positioned horses combine to create a scene that feels like a still from an extravagant historical film.
Yet there is something wonderfully mischievous about it all.
Michael Joseph – Master of the Extraordinary Advertising Photograph
Michael Joseph (born 1941) was one of Britain's most imaginative advertising photographers, particularly celebrated for his elaborate compositions, theatrical storytelling and remarkable ability to orchestrate scenes involving large groups of people and animals.
His career included important advertising campaigns for White Horse Whisky, a brand whose imagery provided an ideal setting for his distinctive combination of elegance, humour and equestrian subjects.
Joseph's ability to direct horses, actors, models and complex outdoor scenes became one of his professional trademarks.
Perhaps his most internationally celebrated achievement came in June 1968, when he photographed the Rolling Stones for their legendary Beggars Banquet album project.
Those extraordinary photographs, created at Sarum Chase in London and Swarkestone Hall Pavilion in Derbyshire, remain among the most recognisable images in rock photography.
The same theatrical imagination is evident in this delightful Richmond Park photograph: an entire story captured within a single carefully composed frame.
An Unmistakably British Sense of Humour
What makes this photograph so appealing is the contrast between its romantic, almost aristocratic setting and its playful title.
While the gentleman concentrates on impressing his companion, the two horses appear to be conducting a courtship of their own.
It is precisely this combination of technical sophistication, visual storytelling and gentle absurdity that makes Michael Joseph's photography so distinctive.
The beautifully detailed black-and-white image also offers a charming glimpse into the imaginative world of classic British advertising photography.
Photographer: Michael Joseph (born 1941)
Title: White Horse Chatting Up Black Horse!
Location: Richmond Park, London
Medium: Black-and-white photographic print
Signature: Michael Joseph's signature on the front mount
Inscription: Handwritten title and location
Presentation: White photographic mount
Provenance: Directly from the Michael Joseph family archive
Reverse: Gallery authenticity label
A Delightful Collector's Piece
An enchanting photograph for collectors of British advertising history, equestrian photography, vintage fashion, classic black-and-white imagery and the work of Michael Joseph.
Its romantic period setting, wonderfully expressive horses and unmistakable sense of humour make it an artwork that rewards a second look.
Two people enjoying a romantic picnic. Two horses apparently doing exactly the same.
A beautifully orchestrated moment of British photographic wit, from the photographer who helped create some of the most memorable advertising and music imagery of the twentieth century.
#MichaelJoseph #WhiteHorseWhisky #RichmondPark #BritishPhotography #VintagePhotography #EquestrianPhotography #HorsePhotography #AdvertisingPhotography #RollingStones #BeggarsBanquet #BlackAndWhitePhotography #FineArtPhotography #SignedPhotography #PhotographyCollectors #Catawiki
Seller's Story
My father, Michael Joseph, was a London-based advertising photographer from the 1960s to the early 1990s, perhaps best known for his iconic photographs for the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet album.
Such was Michael’s extraordinary talent for orchestrating elaborate group scenes, often bringing together large numbers of people and animals in seemingly effortless harmony, that these wonderfully theatrical compositions became known within the advertising industry simply as “a Michael Joseph” - a style so distinctive that his name became a description in its own right.
Our continuing mission is to share what we affectionately call “the other photographs”: lesser-known treasures from his remarkable archive, including original vintage darkroom prints, experimental test prints, alternative images from major shoots, celebrated group compositions and more intimate, personal photographs.
Among our most exciting discoveries is Michael’s extraordinary 1964 Vietnam archive, photographed when he was just 23. Many of these powerful images have never previously been exhibited or offered for sale, revealing a fascinating, lesser-known side of his career.
There is also a wonderfully poetic quality to much of his work: unexpected encounters, fleeting moments and what we like to call “immortalised instants” - those unrepeatable fragments of everyday life that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
All beautifully summed up in Michael’s favourite adage:
“Always keep a camera handy, every minute of your living day.”
A philosophy he certainly lived by, leaving us an extraordinary collection that we are still discovering today.
Alongside Michael’s authentic vintage prints, we are introducing new interpretations of his work: striking photographic prints on aluminium and handmade cyanotypes, created from his original negatives and transparencies using the Dordogne sunshine. Some are produced on vintage papers from Michael’s own photographic library, giving these historic materials a wonderful new lease of life.
Together, these works celebrate photographic history and contemporary creativity - from unique prints made by Michael himself to imaginative new interpretations of his archive.
We hope you enjoy discovering these photographs as much as we enjoy bringing them to light!
A Small Note About the Presentation Photographs
Some of our in situ illustrations showing artworks displayed in interiors have been created using artificial intelligence (AI).
These are intended simply to help you imagine how a piece might look in a home, office or gallery. Although we aim for faithful representations, proportions and scale may occasionally vary.
Please refer to the actual artwork photographs and stated dimensions for an accurate representation of your purchase.
A Personal Note About Packaging
We prepare and pack every artwork ourselves, taking great care to protect each piece with several layers of suitable materials.
To keep costs down and minimise waste, we reuse and upcycle packaging wherever possible. Your parcel may therefore contain recycled cardboard, protective sleeves, old photographic boxes or envelopes - occasionally even materials from Michael’s own photographic library!
And please don't be surprised if the outside looks rather plain, or even a little unattractive. This is often deliberate! We prefer valuable or irreplaceable artworks to travel as inconspicuously as possible.
One small favour: please unwrap your parcel slowly and carefully.
We sometimes use several layers of cardboard, paper and protective wrapping, secured with tape. Please take particular care when using scissors or a blade, as tape can occasionally catch on adjoining layers or items inside.
We would rather spend a little extra time protecting your purchase than risk damage in transit, and hope you will forgive our occasionally unconventional packaging!
After all, it's what's inside that matters, not the wrapping!
Every purchase helps us preserve, explore and share Michael’s remarkable photographic archive, while giving these images a new home and another chapter in their history.
For US Buyers
Customs duties and applicable import charges are paid at source and included in the shipping cost. No additional charges should normally be payable upon delivery, subject to changes in customs regulations.
Details
Date of print
1969
Artist
Michael Joseph (1941-)
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Title of artwork
White horse chatting up black horse
Condition
Original State
Technique
Gelatin-silver print
Height
37 cm
Edition
Vintage edition in a recycled frame
Width
29 cm
Signature
Hand signed
Genre
Fine art photography
Sold by
