Information

The William Leathes Collection of Netherlandish old master paintings, originally from Herringfleet Hall Suffolk, was donated to the Ipswich Collection by Captain R. E. De Mussenden Leathes in 1992. This unique collection is, without doubt, a national treasure and represents the main core of a larger one, mainly compiled in the Netherlands by William Leathes (1674-1727), Paymaster General to the British Army, Master of Ordnance, and later, His Majesty’s Ambassador in Brussels between 1715 and 1724.

The collection contains genre paintings, still life, interiors, portraits and peopled landscapes including Scene on a Frozen River by Cornelis Beelt (ca. 1660-1702). Other artists include Michiel van Musscher (1645-1705), Adriaen Jansz van Ostade (1610-1685), Jean Baptiste Monnyer (1630-1699), Pieter van Bredael (1622-1719), Josse de Momper (1564-1634), Hendrik Maartensz Rokes Sorgh (1611-1670), Egbert van Heemskerk (probably the Younger (1645-1404)), Pierre Angelis (1685-1734), Peeter Bout (1644-1711), and the School of Peter Paul Rubens.

There is a portrait of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (1714) by Zeger Jacob van Helmont (1683-1726) that was commissioned by the duke as a gift to William Leathes, as well as portrait of King George I that was a gift from the king himself. The Assault on the Town of Oudenarde 1708 by Peeter Verdussen (1662-after1710) shows the scene of Marlborough’s third victory over the French.

The collection also includes a set of five oil-on-panel paintings by Herman Van Der Myn (1684-1741) depicting female love and chastity from classical mythology and the Bible, and the Portrait of John Cotton (ca.1627-1628) by the Dutch court painter Daniel Mytens (ca.1590-1647). Another outstanding portrait is the oil painting on panel of Anne of Denmark (Queen of James I) attributed to John de Critz (ca. 1552-1642).

Emma Roodhouse, Curator (August 2024)