John Hamilton Mortimer and the discovery of Captain Cook
John Hamilton Mortimer (1740-1779),
Captain James Cook, Sir Joseph Banks, Lord Sandwich, Dr Daniel Solander and Dr John Hawkesworth, c. 1771, oil on canvas, nla.pic-an7351768
The National Library of Australia holds within its large collection of artworks a most intriguing eighteenth century painting, the bequest of Dame Merlyn Myer. A beautiful work in good condition, the painting is unsigned and lacks its original title. Early research into the painting revealed that it had hung unremarked in private collections for 150 years and then suffered a misattribution to Johann Zoffany which, while initially inflating its value in the art market, had obscured the painting’s true identity and significance. Rejection of the Zoffany attribution also cast doubt on the subjects Joseph Banks and Captain Cook and the date 1771
The best royal gardens to visit this summer (and the Queen s favourite)
As the weather warms, there has never been a better time to explore the historical and botanical delights at royal residences around the UK
26 June 2021 • 6:00am
The Chelsea award-winning Carpet Garden, pictured, is based on a Turkish carpet in Highgrove House, Gloucestershire
Credit: GAP Photos / Robert Smith
You don’t need an invitation from The Queen to get a close-up view of these royal gardens. From the beautifully designed Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace to the 100-acre garden at Hillsborough Castle with a “hidden” lake, a ferny glen and a pinetum, there s plenty to see and do this summer, for families of all ages. Here, we count eight of the best royal gardens to visit (or picnic at) in the warmer months. You never know, you might even spot her Majesty.
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Prime Minister has appointed Dr Simon Thurley CBE as Chair of National Heritage Memorial Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund
Dr. Simon Thurley is Provost of Gresham College, London’s oldest higher education establishment, founded in 1597 to give free public lectures in the City. He serves on the Sponsor Board and the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament, is chairman of Lloyd-Webber Theatres’ restoration of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and is a trustee of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the British Library. He has been patron of the London Parks and Garden Trust since 2004, and played a role in setting up the Canal and River Trust, of which he was a trustee until 2015.
The Prime Minister has appointed Dr Simon Thurley CBE as Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund gov.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from gov.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.