Artwork sale to fund ‘the Bronx of East Anglia’
THE owners of a Suffolk stately home are selling their most prized painting, an 18th century masterpiece by Joseph Wright of Derby, to fund the transformation of the estate into a holiday destination for wealthy city dwellers.
An Academy by Lamplight, painted in 1769, is one of the artist’s most celebrated paintings, and is expected to fetch £2.5–£3.5 million, the highest estimate for a work by Wright.
His “candlelit” pictures were a metaphor for the Enlightenment, this one depicting a group of six draughtsmen contemplating an ancient statue.
The painting has adorned the walls of Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk since it was acquired by Sir Savile Crossley, 1st Baron Somerleyton, who made his fortune in carpet manufacturing.
It has been a highlight for visitors but Hugh Crossley, the 4th Baron, is selling it to fund “heritage projects” on the 5,000-acre estate.
Lord Somerleyton took over day-to-day running of the estate in 2005. He has created a gastropub, the Fritton Arms, and opened the house as a wedding venue.
He has described the house’s location, close to Great Yarmouth, as “the Bronx of East Anglia”. In an attempt to lure wealthy city dwellers away from the more popular Southwold, his latest project is a collection of £250,000 chalets and luxury “shedrooms” on the estate, offering a “back-to-nature” experience for families.
Lord and Lady Somerleyton live with their children in the former servants’ quarters. He recently told The Daily Telegraph that the house “eats up money”. He said of the planned holiday village on the estate: “We want to be the best resort in the east.”
The painting will be offered as part of Sotheby’s London Old Masters Evening Sale on Dec 6.