A portrait of Mary Walsh, Mrs Ralph Clavering, by 18th-century artist Angelica Kauffman has been bought by The National Trust at auction. The painting was last seen at Oxburgh Hall in 1951.
Bidding at Sotheby’s last month was keen and went to £65,000, the limit set by The National Trust for the reacquisition of this significant painting. Volunteers at Oxburgh Hall’s second hand bookshop contributed a considerable £11,000 towards the price.
Painted in around 1780, the portrait came to Oxburgh Hall in the 19th century, by descent from the sitter, Mrs Ralph Clavering, to her great granddaughter Augusta Clavering, who married Sir Henry Bedingfeld Bt of Oxburgh Hall in 1859.
Last seen on display in the Drawing Room at Oxburgh in 1951, the painting will be returning to the property this autumn, following some minor conservation work. The portrait was sold in 1951 along with most of the house’s contents, before Oxburgh Hall was donated to The National Trust.
Angelica Kauffman was a significant artist of her time, as Anna Forrest, Curator for The National Trust, explains:
'Although long associated with the decorative arts, Kauffman was a sought-after portrait painter, with a considerable list of noble patrons among her clientel. Having studied in Italy, Kauffman moved to England to develop her work. She became friends with Joshua Reynolds, who was instrumental in promoting her career.'
Anna continues:
'We had some competition at the auction, but The National Trust’s acquisition of this portrait means that, rather than being hidden in a private collection, everyone can enjoy it at Oxburgh Hall.'
Delighted with the return of the portrait, Teresa Squires, Property Manager at Oxburgh Hall, said:
'We have worked hard to retrieve the original contents of the house, and this Kauffman portrait is the most important item yet. We want our visitors to gain an insight into the incredible history of this property and this portrait will really add to the experience. It will be displayed on an easel in the Drawing Room, so you will have the chance to take a close look before it is hung in place on the wall. Look out for some fresh ideas for how we explain the background to the painting.'
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