Art Funded by you

Group Portrait of Thomas Hesketh with his wife Martha and a Son in Grounds of Rufford, Lancashire

Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1723

©NTPL/John Hammond

Portrait of Thomas Hesketh (1698-1735) with his wife and son. The couple had five sons and this is thought to be either the first or third son, depending on the date of the portrait. In 1724, Thomas Hesketh inherited Rufford Old Hall, family seat of the Heskeths and improved the building by adding a new section including a Dining Room where this portrait hung until about 1760. It is likely that Kneller initiated this work but was unable to complete it due to ill health; it was completed by his studio.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Group Portrait of Thomas Hesketh with his wife Martha and a Son in Grounds of Rufford, Lancashire, 1723

Date supported

2005

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

127 x 177 cm

Grant

10000

Total cost

21600

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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