Family Letter
Letter from Frank Holburne to Catherine Cussans November 3rd, 1804 This is a letter from Sir Thomas William Holburne’s older brother Frank to their wealthy aunt Catherine Cussans, who was…
Gemstone Ring
Ring with intaglio: Ulysses shooting at Scylla Italian (Rome), early nineteenth century Carnelian, gold Intaglio Ring Gems and precious materials carved in relief are known as cameos and intaglios. They…
Erard Harp
Single-action harp Sebastien Erard (1752–1831) Japanned and gilded wood, 1802 Music played an important role in the eighteenth century, both in public settings and in domestic contexts. Musical accomplishment was…
Skeleton Clock
Skeleton Clock English, signed by Thompson and Warren, Bath Brass and steel on a marble base, 1829–30 The pursuit of accurate timekeeping has been one of the greatest driving forces…
The Witcombe Cabinet
The Witcombe Cabinet English Japanned and silvered wood, about 1697 203 x 120 x 60 cm Accepted by HM Government in Lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Holburne…
National Gallery Contemporary Fellowship
Artist Nalini Malani is to receive the first Contemporary Fellowship awarded by the National Gallery, and supported by Art Fund. The new National Gallery Contemporary Fellowship with Art Fund is…
Embroidered Trouser Panel
Trouser panel Iran Embroidery in silk and wool, 19th century Given by Miss E.G. Tanner in 1928 Ellen Georgiana Tanner (1874–1937) was among the first British women to travel solo…
Laurence Hyde by Willem Wissing
Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester Willem Wissing (about 1656–1687) Oil on canvas, about 1685 The artist William Wissing was born in Amsterdam and studied under Willem Doudyns (1630–1697) at The…
Stumpwork
The Restoration of Charles II English raised embroidery worked on a white satin ground, embroidered in silk with linen lace, metal threads, pearl beads and mica, about 1665 Bequest of…
Useful Animals
Cow creamer John Schuppe (active 1753-1777), London Silver, 1755/56 9.8 x 4.3 x 4cm. Animals have been a constant source of inspiration for artists and makers. The Holburne possesses several…
Virgin and Child
Virgin and Child Unknown Flemish artist after an engraving by Barthel Beham (1502–1540) Oil on panel Madonna and Child Attired in a luxurious red dress and set before a…
In Memory of Ann Hopkins-Clarke
On behalf of the Holburne’s staff and trustees, past and present, I am very sorry to mark the death of one of the museum’s most loyal supporters. Ann Hopkins-Clarke (1931-2020)…