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Dyrham Park has a collection of Dutch art of unusual breadth and quality for an English country house. Government official and colonial administrator William Blathwayt (who owned Dyrham Park from 1689 to 1717) worked at the English embassy at the Hague, learned Dutch, and developed an enthusiasm for Dutch art and style.

The collection at Dyrham includes two important works by Samuel van Hoogstraten, floral paintings by Cornelis de Heem and Philips van Kouwenbergh, and landscapes by Jacobus Storck, Hendrick Mommers and Hendrick van Minderhout. Flemish art is also well represented, with animal paintings by Melchior de Hondecoeter and a triptych believed to have been painted by Jan van Doornik. Besides, Blathwayt amassed one of the most important collections of Delft pottery in Britain, including extravagant flower vases, large plant tubs, delicate fruit baskets and much more.

Susie Meader, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager (September 2024)