Sir Thomas Egerton, Bart, as an Archer in Heaton Park

James H Smith

Summary

A full length portrait of Sir Thomas Egerton in the guise of an archer in Heaton Park, Manchester, with Heaton Hall visible in the background to the right. He stands before a large tree in the left background, in a white outfit with a red cloak about his shoulders, and a tall hat with white plumes. His bow is outstretched to the right and his arm is drawn back after releasing an arrow.

Display Label

Sir Thomas Egerton, Bart., as an Archer in Heaton Park about 1783 James H Smith active 1780s Oil on canvas Thomas Grey Egerton became a baronet (‘Bart’) on the death of his father in 1756, a baron in 1784, and in 1801, Earl of Wilton. He was a loyal supporter of the crown, raising the Royal Lancashire Volunteers at his own expense to fight against Revolutionary France. Sir Thomas was a keen archer, and is shown here demonstrating his talent in a pose derived from the classical statue the Apollo Belvedere. Heaton Hall still stands in its park in North Manchester. It appears here not as it was built, but probably as the architect James Wyatt planned it, with statues in niches. Sir Thomas was Wyatt’s patron and he was responsible for the rebuilding of Heaton Hall in 1772. It seems that the artist copied some details from the architect’s drawing. We know nothing of James H Smith; perhaps he was employed by Sir Thomas to decorate his house. Purchased 1958.54