AN enormous oil painting has galloped back to Croome Court, near Worcester, 60 years after the historic building was sold by its owners.

The painting, called The Great Horse, or Jack-a-Dandy, has returned thanks to a long-term loan from the Coventry Charity Almshouses, Droitwich, where the painting has been hung since 1948.

The Great Horse hung in Croome Court for nearly 250 years until the Coventry family presented it to the Droitwich Almshouses when they had to sell their ancestral home and much of its contents in 1948.

The painting hung at the top of the main stairs and will be returned to this position.

Its return is significant as it is the first item of Croome’s history and heritage to be brought back to the house and put on public show.

Croome project curator Sarah Kay said: “This really is a momentous occasion for Croome and the team that work here. We are so proud to have this incredible painting back in the house and we are extremely grateful to the Coventry Charity Trustees for agreeing to the loan and thereby enabling us to display the painting to the public.”

The painting measures 14ft wide and more than 8fttall and was painted between 1680 and 1710, possibly by John Wootton, who became a notable equestrian artist.

The painting was formally unveiled by staff at Croome Court during a Great Horse tea party to visitors, in the presence of the trustees and residents of the Almshouses. National Trust staff and volunteers were also there to see the official presentation alongside the Mayor of Droitwich, Lynne Duffy.

The Great Horse is now on show at Croome Court which is open from 11am to 4.30pm, except Tuesdays. The garden, park, restaurant and shop are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm.

For more details on Croome call 01905 371782 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-croome.