Disputed Toll by Heywood Hardy

Acquisition of painting by the celebrated late-19th century animal painter Heywood Hardy (1843-1933). The painting depicts an anecdotal incident in 1872 when an elephant called Maharajah set out on a ten-day walk with his trainer to Manchester to join the Belle Vue Zoo. When they reached a toll-house a dispute ensued because elephants were not listed on the tariff board and the price demanded seemed too high. The matter was settled when the elephant wrapped his trunk around the gate and lifted it. Oil on canvas 121 x 173 cm