1883 Foundation – Committed to preserving the cultural landscape of Radnor Hunt

We are a charitable foundation committed to preserving the rich cultural landscape of Radnor Hunt.

The 1883 Foundation was created in 2021 with a commitment to advancing the public’s awareness and appreciation of Radnor Hunt’s cultural heritage and its contributions to local history and fox hunting traditions. The 1883 Foundation aims to fulfill its mission through public outreach, providing enjoyable educational activities focusing on horse lovers, art lovers or those simply interested in history. Historic preservation enthusiasts, likewise, are especially encouraged to assist with the Foundation’s mission.

Foxhunters leaving the new Radnor Hunt stables in the early 1930s

New stables designed by Radnor Hunt member, Arthur Meigs, of the renowned architectural firm, Mellor, Meigs & Howe, 1931

An appreciation of history

A deep appreciation of Radnor’s rich history inspired the creation of the Foundation. An initial core group consisting of Radnor Hunt members Eileen Corl, Collin F. McNeil, Franny Abbott, and Marc O’Neill sparked the movement to establish a charitable entity with the goals of preserving Radnor’s buildings and collections. Supporters of the Foundation share the goal of perpetuating the cultural history of Radnor Hunt and the surrounding landscape.

Our cultural landscape

Radnor Hunt was founded on December 16, 1883 in Radnor Township for the purpose of equestrian sport, specifically fox hunting, but it has played a vital role in the Chester and Delaware county community for more than 138 years. It regularly makes its land and buildings available for public equestrian and land conservation activities.

Radnor Hunt is a landmark historic institution with a fascinating history. It has survived two World Wars and several lesser ones, financial depressions, disagreements over hound breeding, landowner issues, Prohibition and the insidious creep of urban sprawl. Where suburban growth has increasingly brought about the demise of many other fox hunting organizations, Radnor has met hardship with endurance and subsequently flourished into the 21^st Century.

Collin F. McNeil, Author of Bright Hunting Morn: The 125th Anniversary of Radnor Hunt (Derrydale Press Foxhunter’s Library, 2008)

“Bright Hunting Morn was researched and written over three years. Digging through various archives and libraries to uncover source material, McNeil was aided especially by local historians Pat Keller and Karen Kauffman. For Radnor Hunt, there have been countless “bright hunting morns.” The Hunt Magazine, 2010

“In 2008, Radnor Hunt celebrated its 125th Anniversary. Even in the face of two world wars, the great depression, encroaching suburbia, the proliferation of the automobile, disease, political squabbles, and financial crises, Radnor Hunt has remained one of North America’s premier hunting establishments. This work chronicles the people, the places, the racing and the chasing that so many have enjoyed and loved for a century and a quarter! Bright Hunting Morn captures the extraordinary essence of a hunt that was celebrated from the outset, as one of the finest, and continues to flourish in the 21st century.” Amazon

“Bright Hunting Morn: The 125th Anniversary of Radnor Hunt is full of beautiful photography and artwork – all presented with great attention to detail.” Foxhunting Life

Collin F. McNeil Is Elected MFH at Radnor posted June 7, 2011 by Norman Fine, Foxhunting Life

The 1883 Foundation logo

The inspiration for the 1883 Foundation logo came from a silhouette drawn in 1926 by J. Stanley Reeve. It is a silhouette of Mrs. Erskine M. Smith riding sidesaddle on her horse, Eve.

The artist, Reeve, was a member of Radnor Hunt and Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds in nearby Unionville, PA and also wrote numerous books on foxhunting. Along with his signature on the back of his artwork, he also added the name of his country estate, Brookthorpe. The name may have come from a village of the same name located in Gloucestershire, England.

Our Mission

The mission of the 1883 Foundation is to preserve and enhance the historic structures, landscape, archives, equine and equestrian artifacts and sporting art collection of Radnor Hunt. In addition, the Foundation will work to advance the understanding and appreciation of Radnor’s cultural heritage and contributions to local Chester County history.

826 Providence Road | Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 | [email protected]

The 1883 Foundation is an Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The official registration and financial information of the 1883 Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The 1883 Foundation only accepts contributions from states where it is registered and/or from states that do not require registration.