The National Trust team has sent the painting Stourhead in its Infancy, once thought to be by Copplestone Warre Bampfylde, to the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio in Knole for remedial conservation work.
Created between 1730 and 1769, the painting, which shows Henry Hoare ‘the Magnificent’s’ landscape garden during its creation, will be cleaned to remove layers of dirt and discoloured varnish, allowing the detail to be enjoyed once again.
Whist the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio is working on the painting, they are also hoping to be able to correctly attribute the artist. Although it has been previously thought to have been painted by Bampfylde, recent research has uncovered the name of another artist who may be responsible for this work, Julius Caesar Ibbetson.
“The importance of this painting can’t be underestimated. The conservation work will inform us of its significance within the context of connecting the house at garden and inception of Stourhead”, said Peta Henley, Collections and House Officer.
“Once the painting returns from the conservation studio at Knole, we will be able to see it in all its colourful glory for the first time in hundreds of years, and we can’t wait to be able to show it off.”
Thought to be the first painting of the garden, Stourhead in its Infancy, is oil on canvas and shows cattle, sheep and people in the foreground before a winding path and in front of the lake and a classical temple.
Further information about Stourhead can be found on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead
