Portraits of members of the Kit Kat club by Sir Godfrey Kneller

20 portraits of members of the Kit Cat club, Whig politicians and writers.


Details

Category:
Portrait
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Art Fund grant:
£6,500 ( Total: £6,500)
Acquired in:
1945
Vendor:
Clinton Baker

They were painted at the instigation of the publisher Jacob Tonson (club secretary). Engraved in mezzotint by John Faber, 1731-4, and published in 1735. Also a miniature self-portrait by the artist. Remainder of the collection are at the National Portrait Gallery.

Provenance

They were designed to fit a special clubroom at Tonson's house at Barn Elms. Inherited by his nephew; his daughter Mary who married William Baker of Bayfordbury

Venue details

Beningbrough Hall and Gardens Beningbrough, York North Yorkshire YO30 1DD 01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Entry details

Free entry with National Art Pass (standard entry charge is £8.80)

1 Mar – 31 Oct
Sat – Wed, 11am – 5.30pm

Open 7 days a week during school holidays

1 Nov – 28 Feb
Sat, Sun, 11am – 3.30pm (first and second floors only)

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