Sir Joshua Reynolds P.R.A

At the peak of his career, Sir Joshua Reynolds’ beguiling portraits were coveted by the most discerning figures of 18th-century high society. Yet alongside these grand commissions, the artist pursued a more intimate vision in his celebrated ‘fancy’ pictures, poetic works that explored timeless ideals and sentiment.⁠

We are delighted to present two paintings that eloquently reflect these distinct facets of Reynolds’ oeuvre: the public brilliance of the portraitist and the private imagination of the storyteller.⁠ These works were inherited by Ann and her husband Michael Marks, 2nd Baron Broughton, from the estate of her parents-in-law, Sir Simon and Lady Miriam Marks of the Marks & Spencers dynasty.

Portrait of Thomas Pelham, later 2nd Earl of Chichester

One of Reynolds' greatest gifts was his ability to idealise his sitters, a skill which in his portraits of children emphasised their innocence and natural grace.

The lively portrait of the young, Thomas Pelham was painted in 1759. The animated composition of the jumping spaniel with his head turned to look up was an early example of a motif that Reynolds was to return to.

Thomas Pelham, born on 28 April 1756, was the eldest son of Thomas Pelham, 1st Earl of Chichester (1728-1805), and his wife Anne, daughter of Frederick Meinhardt Frankland. He served was M.P. for Sussex from 1780 to 1796 and was appointed Surveyor-General of the Ordnance under the Duke of Richmond, Master-General of the Ordnance in Lord Rockingham's second ministry (1782), and Chief Secretary for Ireland in the coalition ministry of 1783 (when he was also appointed to the Privy Council of Ireland). He represented Carrick in the Irish House of Commons from 1783 to 1790 and Clogher from 1795 to 1797. In 1795 he was sworn of the Privy Council and became Irish chief secretary under Pitt's government, retiring in 1798. He served as Home Secretary in 1801 and called to the House of Lords as Lord Pelham on 20 June 1801 and succeeded on 8 January 1805 as 2nd Earl of Chichester.

Portrait of Theophila Palmer

We then have this charming picture of Theophila Palmer (1756-1848). Imbued with evident sentiment and feeling, this work had great personal significance to the artist, not only because the model was the favourite niece of Sir Joshua Reynolds, but because the painting seems to have provided Reynolds with the idea for one of his best and most celebrated 'fancy pictures' The Strawberry Girl, 1773, in the Wallace Collection, of which he painted several versions and for which his niece was also the model.

Theophila Palmer was the younger daughter of John Palmer, Attorney of Great Torrington, Devon and Reynolds's sister Mary. Theophila, affectionately known as 'Offy', was named after Reynolds's mother and grandmother. Sent to live with Reynolds in London in 1770 with her sister, Offy remained there until her marriage in 1781. She was commonly regarded as the more beautiful of the two sisters, and Reynolds was remarkably fond of her.

The present work was painted in 1767 when Offy was eleven years old. She was the model for Reynolds in several of his best-known pictures, including Theophila Palmer Reading Clarissa Harlowe, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1771, and Simplicity in the Rothchild Collection at Waddesdon Manor. Reynolds also presented her with her portrait on the occasion of her marriage in 1781.

The painting has descended through the same family since it was last recorded at auction in 1939 and unseen in public since its exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1896.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 3 March 2026, 2.30pm GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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VIEWING:

• Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
  • Monday 16 February: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 17 February: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 18 February: 10am-7pm
• Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Friday 27 February: 10am-4pm
  • Sunday 1 March: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 2 March: 10am-4pm

Further Information: 
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