George, 1st Earl of Onslow (1731-1814)
Thomas Stewardson (Kendal 1781 – London 1859)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
circa 1813 - 1814 (death of sitter)
Materials
Oil paint, canvas, wood
Measurements
2388 x 1435 mm (94 x 56 1/2 in)
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Clandon Park, Surrey
NT 1441493
Summary
[Saved] Oil painting on canvas, George Onslow, 1st Earl of Onslow (1731-1814) by Thomas Stewardson (Kendal 1781 – London 1859). Son of Arthur Onslow, Speaker of the House of Commons, George Onslow inherited his titles and Clandon Park from his cousin, Richard Onslow, 3rd Baron Onslow on his death in 1776. The artist shows Onslow wearing his 'Windsor Uniform', which demonstrates his position at Court and his close relationship with George III. The portrait is undated, but was made after 1801, when Onslow was made Earl of Onslow by George III, as his peers robes are shown draped over his chair. Onslow held a number of positions at Court including Out-Ranger of Windsor Forest (1754-63), Surveyor of the King's Gardens and Waters (1761-64), Comptroller of the Household (1777-9), Treasurer of the Houshold (1779-80) and Lord of the Bedchamber (1780-1814). A reduced version of this painting was exhibited by the artist at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1813. The catalogue says it was 'painted for the Magistrates of the County of Surrey'.
Provenance
Purchased by the Ministry of Public Building and Works in 1963 from the 6th Earl, transferred to the National Trust in 1977
Credit line
Clandon Park, The Onslow Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Thomas Stewardson (Kendal 1781 – London 1859), artist