Harnais A l’Anglaise – the “English Harness”

Harnais A L'Anglaise Hermès carré by Hugo Grygkar (1954)
Harnais A L’Anglaise Hermès carré by Hugo Grygkar (1954) – SOLD

Harnais A L'Anglaise Hermès carré w/Brown Border

Harnais à l’Anglaise Hermès carré was designed by no other than the Father of the Hermès carré, Hugo Grygkar, and issued in 1954. [Link to his bio]

This iconic scarf pays homage not only to the English harness, as the name suggests, but to the entire tradition of English horsemanship, which profoundly influenced equestrian practices across Europe throughout history.

English horsemanship, synonymous with elegance and refinement, was reserved for the elite. Horses were subjected to strict training and adorned with ornate harnesses, including intricate bridles designed to prevent them from rearing up or galloping freely, a practice primarily reserved for hunting or country rides. Grygkar’s design beautifully captures this era, celebrating the artistry and discipline inherent in English horsemanship

R. Ackermann, 20.5 cm x 41 cm, Aquarelles, Émile Hermès Collection
R. Ackermann, 20.5 cm x 41 cm, Aquarelles, Émile Hermès Collection

This carre draws inspiration from four watercolors by the German artist Rudolf Werner Ackermann (1908-1982), which are part of the esteemed Émile Hermès Collection in Paris. This vast and diverse collection has served as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous vintage carrés, including iconic designs like Ex Libris, Musée, and Les Clefs, to name a few. [Links to Inspiration for those designs]


Harnais A l'Anglais, Hermes
Harnais A L’Anglaise Hermès carré by Hugo Grygkar (1954)
A close-up view clearly demonstrates the carré’s strong connection to the Ackermann watercolors

Harnais A L'Anglaise Hermès carré w/Landau Carriage at center
A Landau Carriage takes centerstage in Grygkar’s composition

Harnais A L'Anglaise Hermès carré by Hugo Grygkar (1954)

Harnais A L'Anglaise Hermès carré in Teal & Black Col.
Harnais A L’Anglaise Hermes silk scarf designed by Hugo Grygkar (1954) – SOLD

Once again, merci Monsieur Grygkar for giving us the incomparable Harnais A l’Anglaise!



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One thought on “Harnais A l’Anglaise – the “English Harness”

  1. Pingback: How to store your HERMES scarves | Carré de Paris

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