Herbert Pugh

Commissioned from the artist by George, 2nd Earl of Pomfret (1722-1786);
by descent

A. Crookshank and the Knight of Glin, The Painters of Ireland c.1660-1920, 1978, p. 91;
E. Waterhouse, The Dictionary of British 18th Century Painters, 1981, p.290;
A. Crookshank and the Knight of Glin, Ireland's Painters 1600-1940, 2002, p. 104

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a slightly opaque old varnish overall. FRAME Held in a British Neoclassical gilded frame. A professional condition report for this lot is available upon request.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Earl and Countess of Pomfret lived both at Easton Neston, Northamptonshire and at Lady Pomfret's family home at Sunbury in Middlesex. Countess Anna Maria was not only the granddaughter and heiress of William Draycott of Sunbury, Middlesex but also inherited the considerable property of Lady Jane Coke, daughter of Thomas 1st Marquess of Wharton in 1757.

Clearly having formed a particular fondness for the artist Herbert Pugh following his successful completion of the Windsor Castle landscape (see previous lot), the Pomfret's commissioned a View of Easton Neston, and this view of Sunbury House in 1767. This painting depicts the beautiful grounds of Sunbury House, Middlesex, described at the time as 'a noble residence, surrounded by luxuriant grounds.' The interior of the house was lavishly decorated with large paintings by Antonio Verrio and carvings by Grinling Gibbons, and in 1769 the Earl and Countess played host to numerous distinguished guests including George III and Queen Charlotte.

Pugh's topographical and picturesque landscapes bear stylistic similarities to those of Richard Wilson. The two artists were close neighbours in the fashionable area of Covent Garden and both shared the patronage of the Earl and Countess of Pomfret's contemporary, the 10^th Earl of Pembroke. Pembroke commissioned Wilson's View of Wilton House (Wilton House) and also Pugh's 1766 painting of Westminster Bridge.

In 1784 Sunbury became the residence of Lord Hawke, and subsequently the Rev. Mr Bishop. It was then used as the residence for King Louis Phillippe, whilst he was in exile following the 1848 Revolution. During his time there the King provided funds for the house to be converted into a military academy during the Crimean War for the education and training of young officers. This picture now offers an idyllic but important historical record of this once splendid house, which sadly no longer survives. The house was destroyed by fire on 31st December 1915, which gutted all but one of the wings.