Ambassador’s Residence

Depictions of Argentinean history were represented at the refurbished Residence in Buenos Aires in 2004. William Elliott’s Naval Engagement off Buenos Aires (1791) depicts British ships confronting Spanish vessels off the coast between Argentina and Uruguay. Major E. Kretschmar’s nineteenth century aquatint reveals three panoramic views of the city.

Elisabeth Frink's sculpture Horse and Rider in the garden of the Ambassador's Residence.

We chose modern works for their links to broader South American themes, including Alan Davie’s bold wool tapestry, Flag Walk (1974), which hangs above the hall staircase. Its lively geometric forms refer to the prehistoric petroglyphs of St Lucia, the Caribbean island Davie visited regularly for twenty years. Horse and Rider (1969) by Elisabeth Frink occupies the garden. Inspired by the wild horses of the Camargue in southern France, its poised beauty complements Argentina’s famous equestrian tradition.

Installing Alan Davie's tapestry Flag Walk above the hall staircase.

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