oil painting
- Museum number
- Painting.55
- Description
-
Portrait of Sir Edward Maunde Thompson (1840-1929). T.Q.L., seated, body turned half-r., eyes looking full, holding a book; an illuminated manuscript open on a desk beside him.
Oil painting on canvas
- Production date
- 1909
- Dimensions
-
Height: 116 centimetres
-
Width: 91 centimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- “long after ill health forced his retirement in August 1909, stories of his savage temper and autocratic disposition lingered in the folk memory of the museum’s staff” (ODNB). Maunde Thompson, who was appointed Principal Librarian in 1888 (subsequently adding the title ‘and director’) was an autocrat, his severe ideas of indecorous behaviour included failure by senior staff to wear a top hat on Museum premises and the crime by a junior of riding a bicycle in the street. He joined the Museum in 1861 and became Keeper of Manuscripts in 1878. His particular interest in medieval manuscripts is indicated by the volume on the table to his left. He was an energetic director whose aim (ODNB)”was to consolidate the Museum’s reputation as a great scholarly institution, while making its riches more accessible and intelligible to the public”. The portrait was probably executed at the time of his retirement in 1909. The artist was Director the National Gallery 1894-1904 and President of the Royal Academy 1896-1918.
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Old Boardroom
New Wing Boardroom (to 2003)
- Condition
- Examined 2.iv.63. Would be improved by surface cleaning.
For most recent condition report see Lynne Harrison, DCDS 2.8.05.
- Acquisition date
- 1917
- Acquisition notes
- Original Papers, 13 May 1917, Thompson/Kenyon - You will remember that it was understood that my portrait was eventually to return to the Museum, to have the honour of hanging among those of greater men. I am giving up my house here - and shall be a wanderer for a time. It will not do to risk damage to the picture, and I should therefore propose to transfer it at once to your care if the Trustees approve...'
Trustees' Standing Committee Minutes, 9 June 1917 (c. 3543) the Director reported that the portrait of Sir E Maunde Thompson, painted by Sir Edward Poynter in 1909, had been transferred to the Museum at Sir E M Thompson's request. The Trustees expressed their satisfaction at the acquisition of the portrait and desired that their acknowledgements should be returned.
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- Painting.55
