caption

attributed to Benjamin Wilson, John Savile, First Earl of Mexborough (previously Viscount Pollington)

Photo courtesy of Dave Penman (All rights reserved)

caption

attributed to Benjamin Wilson, John Savile, First Earl of Mexborough (previously Viscount Pollington), with frame

Photo courtesy of Dave Penman (All rights reserved)

Details

Country House
Doddington Hall
Title(s)
John Savile, First Earl of Mexborough (previously Viscount Pollington)
Date
? c. late 1760s
Location
Long Gallery
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
Overall height: 236 cm, Overall width: 146 cm
Artist
attributed to Benjamin Wilson (1721-1788)
Catalogue Number
DN89

Description

John Savile (1719–1778) was the son of Charles Savile of Methley Hall, Yorkshire, and Aletheia Millington. In 1749 he was appointed knight companion of the Order of the Bath. On 8 September 1753 he was created Baron Pollington of Longford in the County of Longford, and on 11 February 1766 first Earl of Mexborough of Lifford, County Donegal. Although the artist is unknown the portrait has been attributed recently to Benjamin Wilson by Brian Allen on stylistic grounds. It is one of four paintings presently in the Long Gallery with identical carved frames, all of which were commissioned quite possibly by Sir John Delaval in the 1760s, with the intention of hanging them together in the Long Gallery at Doddington (see DN88, DN93 and DN103). This portrait, and that of Lady Pollington (DN88), are on long-term to Doddington Hall from the Earl of Mexborough.

by Martin Postle

Related catalogue items from Doddington Hall

  • Castle Howard Doddington Hall

    John Hussey, Royalist Captain of Horse

    English School, c.1640–3

  • Castle Howard Doddington Hall

    Elizabeth Hussey

    English School, ? c.1648–50

  • Castle Howard Doddington Hall

    Dutch Man-o-War Entering the Harbour at Boulogne

    English School, ? later 17th century