King James II as Duke of York

Ian Malpass-Scott — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:32:00 +0000

Oil painting on canvas, King James II (1633–1701), as Duke of York, manner of Sir Godfrey Kneller (Lübeck 1646/9 – London 1723). A three-quarter-length portrait, turned slightly to the right, gazing at the spectator, in breastplate, garter sash, embroidered cloak and long wig; his baton in his right hand, his helmet placed on a table at the right; at the left a view of a besieged castle.

Provenance: Given with the property to the National Trust in 1941 by Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, 3rd Bt (1870-1958)

Text from National Trust

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Wallington Hall, Northumberland
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: manner of Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 – 1723)
Date: circa 1650-1700

Image Details
Date: 25 July 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/15s
ISO: 2000
Licensing: Image of a National Trust asset. This image cannot be licensed.

Admiral George Delaval

Ian Malpass-Scott — Sun, 21 May 2023 18:48:30 +0000

Younger son of George Delaval of Dissington, and nephew of Sir Ralph Delaval (1641 – 1707). Having only been left £100 by his father, he entered the Navy under the patronage of his uncle, and by 1695 he had been promoted to Captain. He amassed a fortune from both his naval and diplomatic careers; he was envoy to the Emperor of Fez and Morocco, and in 1710 became envoy to the King of Portugal. He returned after three years and was elected as MP for West Looe in 1715, but continued his naval career. In 1718 he was appointed Rear Admiral. He reportedly collected Italian Old Master Paintings, and was a friend of Congreve and Swift, whom he tried to get Kneller to paint. His wealth enabled him to buy out his squabbling and impoverished relations (notably Sir Edward Blackett, who had married Diana, the widow of the elder Sir Ralph Delaval) and rescue the Seaton estate (see M. Green, The Delavals , A Family History, Newcastle upon Tyne, p.16 ff.). Inspired by Castle Howard, Admiral George approached Vanbrugh in the hope he might repair the old building at Seaton. Vanbrugh decided the house was beyond repair, and drew up plans for Seaton Delaval Hall, the work starting in 1718. Neither patron nor architect saw the work completed. Admiral George died in June 1723, having fallen from his horse. The estate and unfinished hall passed to his nephew, Captain Francis Blake Delaval (1692 – 1752).

Provenance: Accepted in lieu of tax by H.M. Treasury and transferred to the National Trust in 2009

Marks & Inscriptions: Bottom left, in large black script (possibly later): G. Kneller / 1710

Text from National Trust website

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 – 1723)
Date: circa 1710

Image Details
Date: 21 May 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/33s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a National Trust asset. This image cannot be licensed.

Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 – 1723) – IMS Photography

King James II as Duke of York

Admiral George Delaval