Grief, Joy and Togetherness is a volunteer led research and interpretation project funded by Arts Council England. The project focuses on the portraits of former inhabitants of Temple Newsam, uncovering engaging stories as well as taking a closer look at the objects that make up the amazing collection.
The volunteers research will be used to bring to life the people, stories and objects of Temple Newsam through the installation of digital interpretation. The volunteers involved will feature in short films, talking passionately about their research.
The project has uncovered a number of themes including, colonialism, mental health issues, gender dynamics, love and wealth.
Edward Ingram (1686–1714), 4th Viscount Irwin
This is a portrait of Edward the 4th Viscount Irwin and eldest son of the 3rd Viscount and Viscountess Irwin.Edward inherited Temple Newsam in 1702, when he was 15 years old, after his father died. Born into a wealthy family, Edward was able to study at Eton and Cambridge before going on his Grand Tour of Europe, with his younger brother Rich, and his tutor John Haccius. This portrait by Thomas van der Wilt was probably painted in Holland when Edward visited during the Tour. It is likely that this painting is part of a pair, the other is of his tutor, which is uncommon for people who were not related and were not in a relationship. Edward made the most of his Grand Tour, purchasing many paintings, many of which still hang at Temple Newsam
Thomas van der Wilt (1659–1733)
Oil on canvas
H 55 x W 45.5 cm
Leeds Museums and Galleries
John Haccius
This is probably a portrait of Edward’s tutor, John Haccius, painted by Thomas van der Wilt as part of a pair with the portrait of Edward. Edward and John appeared to be very close to each other, and whilst studying at Cambridge they would drink tea together every night. Whilst on the Grand Tour together, Edward got involved in a duel, and his family blamed Haccius, dismissing him and asking for Edward to return to Leeds. They both defended each other in letters home and continued their Grand Tour to Italy.
Thomas van der Wilt (1659–1733)
Oil on canvas
H 54.5 x W 45.5 cm
Leeds Museums and Galleries
Lady Hertford (1760–1834)
This is a portrait of Isabella the daughter of the 9th Viscount and Viscountess Irwin. Painted Joshua Reynolds in 1777 when Isabella was just 18 years old. In 1776 she married, later becoming Lady Hertford. She was incredibly famous and was likely the Prince of Wales mistress. During their relationship she gained great political influence, turning the prince towards Tories and away from the Whig political party. Because of public talk about their connection, they were both ridiculed in satirical comic prints that poked fun at them. Lady Hertford is known for putting up the amazing Chinese wallpaper that the prince gifted to the family, and covering the wallpaper in cutting from Audubon’s book. The wallpaper is still up at Temple Newsam.
Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792)
Oil on canvas
H 238.8 x W 147.3 cm
Leeds Museums and Galleries
Emily Charlotte Meynell Ingram (1840–1904)
This is a portrait of Emily Meynell Ingram, the second-last private owner of Temple Newsam. Emily came from a wealthy family and growing up she often had play dates at Buckingham Palace. In 1863, she married Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram, sadly in 1871 Hugo died, leaving Emily a widow. Like most people would Emily was deeply saddened by her husband’s death and from her letters and diaries we can see she was clearly mourning. Emily found solace through her strong religious beliefs, building The Church of the Holy Angles as a resting place for her beloved husband. Emily also made lots of changes to Temple Newsam in an attempt to reflect the family’s history. When Emily passed away she was one of the richest women in Britain.
Francis Grant (1803–1878)
Oil on canvas
H 141 x W 110.5 cm
Leeds Museums and Galleries
Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram (1822–1871)
Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram was the last direct descendant of Sir Arthur Ingram who’s descendants had owned Temple Newsam since the 1622. During the ownership of Hugo Francis and his father, Hugo Charles, from 1841-1871, Temple Newsam was only used during the shooting season three months of the year. Hugo came from a family that loved hunting, and sadly it was this love of hunting that led to Hugo passing away as he died after suffering a fall whilst hunting in 1871.
Francis Grant (1803–1878)
Oil on canvas
H 139.5 x W 109 cm
Leeds Museums and Galleries