Purchase of Joseph Wilton's Marble Bust Portrait of Thomas Hollis (c.1760)

The National Portrait Gallery acquired a marble bust of the radical philosopher Thomas Hollis, one of the architects of American independence, by Joseph Wilton. The bust, which has been on loan to the gallery since 2003, was offered under the terms of a private treaty sale.

Bust of Thomas Hollis by Sir Joseph Wilton, c 1760
Bust of Thomas Hollis by Sir Joseph Wilton, c 1760
National Portrait Gallery
Region
London
Grant awarded
£100,000
Year awarded
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National Portrait Gallery saves UK’s last portrait of the British radical who helped create the USA

The compelling marble bust, c.1760, by Joseph Wilton, RA (1722-1803), the greatest native-born sculptor in mid 18th century Britain, is recognised as the finest likeness of the internationally-renowned defender of civil liberty.

The Gallery acquired the portrait for the nation, following a loan period from a private collection, for £293,157 having received £100,000 towards its purchase from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and £57,000 from the Art Fund.