Lot Essay
For a comparative view by the artist Marciano Baptista see James Orange The Chater Collection, 1924, no. 38
Happy Valley is situated to the east of Victoria, one of the few areas of flat ground in the district. In 1841 Jardine Matheson built a bungalow on the west side but it was abandoned as the site proved damp and unhealthy. Once the land had been drained, a racecourse was set out nearly a mile in circuit. The first recorded meeting was held in December 1846. Charles Wirgman reporting for The Illustrated London News in 1858, described a day at the races. "At 11am. we arrived at the racecourse in Happy Valley, a lovely spot indeed situated about a mile and a half from Victoria and the last resting place of those who die here. The burial ground is at the foot of one of the lofty grass hills which form the Valley. Just opposite to these were the stands and stables; whilst the flat plain was studded with all manner of nations - English, American, French, Malays, East Indians, Manilla Indians, Blue Jackets, Marines and Celestials. The races began in the afternoon and afforded great pleasure. The Chinese are as much excited as the English and bet with much ardour."
Happy Valley is situated to the east of Victoria, one of the few areas of flat ground in the district. In 1841 Jardine Matheson built a bungalow on the west side but it was abandoned as the site proved damp and unhealthy. Once the land had been drained, a racecourse was set out nearly a mile in circuit. The first recorded meeting was held in December 1846. Charles Wirgman reporting for The Illustrated London News in 1858, described a day at the races. "At 11am. we arrived at the racecourse in Happy Valley, a lovely spot indeed situated about a mile and a half from Victoria and the last resting place of those who die here. The burial ground is at the foot of one of the lofty grass hills which form the Valley. Just opposite to these were the stands and stables; whilst the flat plain was studded with all manner of nations - English, American, French, Malays, East Indians, Manilla Indians, Blue Jackets, Marines and Celestials. The races began in the afternoon and afforded great pleasure. The Chinese are as much excited as the English and bet with much ardour."