An invitation illustrated by celebrated American Western artist Charles M. Russell is being offered for sale at Wotton Auction Rooms, with a guide price of between £10,000 and £15,000.
The historic document dates from 1919 and was issued for the Victory Stampede in Calgary, Alberta. It was addressed to Colonel H. Henderson A.D.C. at Government House in Ottawa, giving the item a connection to Canada’s political and sporting history as well as to the American West.
What makes the invitation unusual
At the top of the invitation is Russell’s original illustration of a bucking bronco and rider. The artwork carries his signature and distinctive skull device, alongside carefully executed calligraphic lettering.
The document is also signed by George Lane, chairman of the Victory Stampede organising committee. Lane was one of Calgary’s “Big Four” cattle barons, a group that helped finance the event.
The invitation reads: “The committee extends to you a cordial invitation to witness this contest of cowboy sports for the World’s Championship Titles at Calgary, Alberta, Canada. August, 25th to 30th 1919.”
The intended recipient is believed to have been Lieutenant Colonel Harold Greenwood Henderson A.D.C., described in the source as a military aide stationed at Rideau Hall. Rideau Hall was the official residence of Victor Cavendish, the 9th Duke of Devonshire, who served as Governor General of Canada between 1916 and 1921.
A link to the Calgary Stampede
The invitation formed part of a wider effort to attract prominent Canadian, British and American figures to the Victory Stampede. The campaign included members of the British royal family, the Duke of Connaught, Princess Patricia and the Duke of Devonshire.
Russell is widely regarded as one of the defining artists of the American West. His work is known for depicting cowboys, Indigenous peoples, ranch life and the disappearing frontier.
He exhibited at the first Calgary Stampede in 1912, where his work was successful. He returned to the city in 1919 after being invited by Stampede promoter Guy Weadick.
During the Victory Stampede, Russell and his wife, Nancy, presented an exhibition of 24 paintings and eight bronzes. The event was therefore among the earliest major fine-art exhibitions associated with a rodeo.
Private collection to auction room
The illustrated invitation measures 24.6cm by 16.5cm and has remained in a private collection. The family that owned it acquired the document while living in Canada during the 1950s.
It is being offered at Wotton Auction Rooms on Tuesday, October 13. The combination of Russell’s original artwork, Lane’s signature and the links to Government House and the 1919 Calgary Victory Stampede is presented as a significant piece of Western art and Canadian sporting history.
Further details are available from Wotton Auction Rooms.