Contact Seller
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Tel07494 763382Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7494 763382
Painting Francis James Fry By John Alfred Wheeler
Historic British Victorian Hunting Portrait
“Francis James Fry Aged 5 Riding Pony with Attendant Dog”
By John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)
Subject & Medium
A rare and charming early Victorian hunting portrait depicting young Francis James Fry, heir to the renowned Fry’s Chocolate dynasty, aged around five years old.
Painted in oil on canvas, this tender work captures a moment of childhood innocence and privilege in rural England.
The boy, dressed in a smart young gentleman’s riding outfit and black hat, sits proudly upon his pony, gazing affectionately at his loyal dog — a devoted companion shown at the pony’s flank, eyes raised in excitement.
Set against a softly lit autumnal countryside with rolling green fields and a moody grey-blue sky, the scene perfectly conveys the warmth and refinement typical of mid-19th-century British portraiture.
Composition & Technique
John Alfred Wheeler’s masterful technique is evident in his lifelike depiction of animals and equestrian subjects.
Controlled brushwork and delicate glazing bring texture and vitality to the pony’s coat and realism to the atmospheric landscape.
The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, while the tender bond between the child and his dog imbues the composition with emotional resonance — a hallmark of Wheeler’s finest works.
The Fry Family Legacy
The sitter, Francis James Fry (1835–1918), was grandson of Joseph Storrs Fry, founder of J. S. Fry & Sons, Britain’s pioneering chocolate manufacturer.
Fry’s created the world’s first solid chocolate bar (1847) and later introduced iconic confections such as Fry’s Chocolate Cream (1866) and Fry’s Turkish Delight (1914).
Francis himself became a prominent industrialist and civic leader, serving as Sheriff of Bristol (1887) and High Sheriff of Somerset (1906).
His daughter, Norah Fry, became a leading social reformer, and the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol remains named in her honour.
This portrait, likely commissioned by his parents in the early 1840s, reflects both the Fry family’s prosperity and their enduring place in Britain’s industrial and cultural history.
About the Artist – John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)
Born in Gloucestershire, Wheeler became one of the foremost British animal painters of the Victorian era. His early service with the 2nd Queen’s Corps gave him a deep understanding of horses, a subject central to his career.
His patrons included the Duke of Beaufort, Baron Rothschild, and the Duke of Westminster. His works appear in National Trust and regional museum collections including Bath Guildhall, House of Dun, and Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
Wheeler’s paintings continue to achieve strong auction results, often exceeding $45,000 USD internationally.
Signature
Signed lower left by John Alfred Wheeler, confirming authenticity and attesting to the artist’s standing as one of the leading equestrian painters of his generation.
Frame
Presented in a fine traditional gilt frame, likely restored or refitted by Mendip Framing of Rickford, Burrington (near Bristol), specialists in antique and conservation framing.
The frame complements the painting’s golden tones and Victorian character, and is ready for immediate wall display.
Provenance
By repute commissioned by the Fry family (J. S. Fry & Sons Chocolate dynasty)
Passed by descent through the Fry family estate
Later appeared in a Shires fine art auction (label verso)
Framed and conserved by Mendip Framing, Bristol (label verso)
Now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, UK
This is a documented and desirable provenance, linking the work directly to one of Britain’s most distinguished industrial families.
Why You’ll Love It
A museum-worthy Victorian portrait combining fine art, history, and heritage
Directly connected to the Fry’s Chocolate family, a cornerstone of British industry
Painted by a listed and highly regarded artist celebrated for animal portraiture
A refined and engaging conversation piece for home, office, or gallery display
Perfect for collectors of British art, chocolate history, or Victorian portraiture
Fully framed and ready to hang
Fitted with new hanging brackets and thread, ready for display.
Worldwide Shipping
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Purchase Information
Click “Buy It Now” to secure this exceptional Victorian portrait before it is gone.
Add this Fry’s Chocolate family masterpiece to your fine art collection today.
Explore more hand-picked treasures in our eBay gallery: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
For enquiries or additional information, please send us a message — we are happy to assist. We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
“Francis James Fry Aged 5 Riding Pony with Attendant Dog”
By John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)
Subject & Medium
A rare and charming early Victorian hunting portrait depicting young Francis James Fry, heir to the renowned Fry’s Chocolate dynasty, aged around five years old.
Painted in oil on canvas, this tender work captures a moment of childhood innocence and privilege in rural England.
The boy, dressed in a smart young gentleman’s riding outfit and black hat, sits proudly upon his pony, gazing affectionately at his loyal dog — a devoted companion shown at the pony’s flank, eyes raised in excitement.
Set against a softly lit autumnal countryside with rolling green fields and a moody grey-blue sky, the scene perfectly conveys the warmth and refinement typical of mid-19th-century British portraiture.
Composition & Technique
John Alfred Wheeler’s masterful technique is evident in his lifelike depiction of animals and equestrian subjects.
Controlled brushwork and delicate glazing bring texture and vitality to the pony’s coat and realism to the atmospheric landscape.
The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, while the tender bond between the child and his dog imbues the composition with emotional resonance — a hallmark of Wheeler’s finest works.
The Fry Family Legacy
The sitter, Francis James Fry (1835–1918), was grandson of Joseph Storrs Fry, founder of J. S. Fry & Sons, Britain’s pioneering chocolate manufacturer.
Fry’s created the world’s first solid chocolate bar (1847) and later introduced iconic confections such as Fry’s Chocolate Cream (1866) and Fry’s Turkish Delight (1914).
Francis himself became a prominent industrialist and civic leader, serving as Sheriff of Bristol (1887) and High Sheriff of Somerset (1906).
His daughter, Norah Fry, became a leading social reformer, and the Norah Fry Research Centre at the University of Bristol remains named in her honour.
This portrait, likely commissioned by his parents in the early 1840s, reflects both the Fry family’s prosperity and their enduring place in Britain’s industrial and cultural history.
About the Artist – John Alfred Wheeler (1821–1903)
Born in Gloucestershire, Wheeler became one of the foremost British animal painters of the Victorian era. His early service with the 2nd Queen’s Corps gave him a deep understanding of horses, a subject central to his career.
His patrons included the Duke of Beaufort, Baron Rothschild, and the Duke of Westminster. His works appear in National Trust and regional museum collections including Bath Guildhall, House of Dun, and Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
Wheeler’s paintings continue to achieve strong auction results, often exceeding $45,000 USD internationally.
Signature
Signed lower left by John Alfred Wheeler, confirming authenticity and attesting to the artist’s standing as one of the leading equestrian painters of his generation.
Frame
Presented in a fine traditional gilt frame, likely restored or refitted by Mendip Framing of Rickford, Burrington (near Bristol), specialists in antique and conservation framing.
The frame complements the painting’s golden tones and Victorian character, and is ready for immediate wall display.
Provenance
By repute commissioned by the Fry family (J. S. Fry & Sons Chocolate dynasty)
Passed by descent through the Fry family estate
Later appeared in a Shires fine art auction (label verso)
Framed and conserved by Mendip Framing, Bristol (label verso)
Now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, UK
This is a documented and desirable provenance, linking the work directly to one of Britain’s most distinguished industrial families.
Why You’ll Love It
A museum-worthy Victorian portrait combining fine art, history, and heritage
Directly connected to the Fry’s Chocolate family, a cornerstone of British industry
Painted by a listed and highly regarded artist celebrated for animal portraiture
A refined and engaging conversation piece for home, office, or gallery display
Perfect for collectors of British art, chocolate history, or Victorian portraiture
Fully framed and ready to hang
Fitted with new hanging brackets and thread, ready for display.
Worldwide Shipping
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Purchase Information
Click “Buy It Now” to secure this exceptional Victorian portrait before it is gone.
Add this Fry’s Chocolate family masterpiece to your fine art collection today.
Explore more hand-picked treasures in our eBay gallery: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
For enquiries or additional information, please send us a message — we are happy to assist. We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 3/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsSize (Framed Dimensions)
Height: 88 cm
Width: 74 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Oil Paintings
Date 1840
Victorian Antiques Material Oil Painting on Canvas
Origin English
Artist Alfred Wheeler
Condition Condition
Presented in fine antique condition consistent with age.
The surface shows light craquelure, foxing, and minor paint loss in areas.
The original gilt frame displays gentle wear and small areas of loss typical for its period.
Overall, the painting retains a beautiful aged patina and would benefit from professional cleaning to enhance depth and colour.
Item code as1013a1263
Status For Sale
£15000.00 
$19953.00
€17241.00
$19953.00
€17241.00
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 3/MAR/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
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