Details

IPSMG:R.1959.130

Ipswich Collections

painting, oil painting

Mrs Mary Kilderbee (nee Mary Wayth) (1723-1811)

Hairstyles of c. 1755-60 and c.1770-80 Purchased with the assistance of the National Art Collections Fund and Felix Cobbold Bequest. This portrait of Mary Kilderbee was originally painted in the final years of Gainsborough's time as an Ipswich resident. In about 1770, Mary Kilderbee decided to have the portrait updated. Gainsborough obliged, repainting the portrait with a fashionable new hairstyle and clothing. Recent X-ray examination has revealed the appearance of the painting in its original form. The portrait commission cost fifteen guineas. This was not a low amount for the time and can explain why she wished Gainsborough to update her existing portrait rather than commission a new one. See IPSMG: R.1935-261 for a portrait of Samuel Kilderbee her husband

Thomas Gainsborough (artist)‎

Ipswich, Suffolk

1755 - 1770

18th Century

oil paint, canvas

length: 620.00 mm
height: 750.00 mm