John Parminter (1712-1784)
attributed to James Ferguson, FRS (Keith 1710 - London 1776)
Category
Art / Miniatures
Date
circa 1740
Materials
Plumbago on card or vellum
Measurements
67 x 54 mm (2 5/8 x 2 1/8 in)
Order this imageCollection
A La Ronde, Devon
NT 1313478
Caption
This fine plumbago drawing of John Parminter is attributed to the Scottish miniaturist James Ferguson. John owned a wine export business in Lisbon, but the great earthquake of 1755 ruined his business. He managed to market a form of quick-drying cement which was used to rebuild the city and soon restored the family fortunes. His daughter Jane would go on to build A la Ronde with her cousin Maryfollowing their return from a grand tour of Europe in the 1790s.
Summary
Portrait miniature, plumbago on card or vellum, John Parminter (1712-1784) attributed to James Ferguson (Keith 1710 - London 1776). c.1740. Oval. Almost half-length, monochrome portrait, turned slightly to the right, gazing to the right, in a turban and wearing a loose coat, partially unbuttoned waistcoat and open shirt collar, aged about 30. Inscribed: Mr John Parminter (senior) of Fairlynch.
Full description
This miniature is very similar to the pen-and-ink drawing by James Ferguson of an unknown man, in the V&A museum, there dated to 1750-60 but possibly earlier. This drawing of John Parminter appears to be of the 1740s. John (b. 1712), second son of Richard (I) Parminter (d.1761) and Jane Lavington (1685-1761). He married in c. 1745, Jane Arbouin or Arboyne (b. 1712), and owned a wine export business in Lisbon, where their daughter Jane was born in 1750. The great Lisbon earthquake of 1755 ruined his business, but he managed to market a form of quick-drying cement which was used to rebuild the city, and restored the family fortunes. An oil portrait of him is in the Octagon room at A la Ronde (see NT 1313495).
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: Inscription on backing paper in ink: Mr John Parminter Senior of Fairlingh.
Makers and roles
attributed to James Ferguson, FRS (Keith 1710 - London 1776), artist
References
Walker, R. J. B, Portrait miniatures in National Trust houses, 2005, p. 10