The Museum holds an eclectic collection of oil paintings ranging from the 17th century to the early 21st century. Such a varied collection is due to the generosity of individuals who donated collections of paintings throughout the 20th century. Some oil paintings were purchased and a significant example of this is Sir Alfred East’s, ‘The Return of the Flock’ which was purchased by subscription in 1930. Among the early works is a portrait of Sir Edward Montagu (d.1556) attributed to the Flemish school and several 18th-century paintings by Nathan Fielding. Works by prominent artists of the Modern period include, ‘Landscape with a Stream Chantreuil, France’ (1897) by Mark Fisher and ‘The Third Republic, View of Porte St-Denis, Paris, France’ (1932) by Walter Sickert, both bequests from Frank Hindley Smith in 1940. Other 20th-century highlights include works by Patrick Heron and Alan Davie, all part of the Ealand-Warwick bequest.