New portrait of Earl Temple joins the Stowe House collection

A newly acquired portrait of Richard Grenville-Temple, 2nd Earl Temple, is now on display in the Blue Room. Purchased with the support of the Hall Bequest Trust, this important addition to the collection strengthens the story of the Grenville family, Stowe House and its celebrated landscape.

We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of an important portrait of Richard Grenville-Temple, 2nd Earl Temple (1711–1779), thanks to the generous support of the Hall Bequest Trust, who purchase Stowe-related historical artefacts for our collection.

The portrait, painted by William Hoare of Bath RA, recently came up for auction, presenting a rare opportunity to bring an important piece of Stowe’s history into the House’s collection. It is now on display in the Blue Room, where it helps tell the story of the Grenville family and the people who shaped both Stowe House and its celebrated landscape.

Richard Grenville-Temple inherited the Stowe estate in 1749 and became one of the most influential figures associated with the House. A prominent statesman, patron of architecture and the arts, he oversaw many developments across the estate during the eighteenth century.

One of the portrait’s most fascinating details can be found beneath Earl Temple’s left hand. Resting on the table is an architectural drawing of the Temple of Concord and Victory, one of the most iconic monuments within Stowe’s gardens. Unlike the other known versions of this portrait, the inscription on the drawing is clearly legible, making this an especially significant example of the composition. The inclusion of the drawing proudly reflects Earl Temple’s role in bringing the monument to completion and commemorates Britain’s victories during the Seven Years’ War.

The painting is regarded as one of only three known versions of this composition, adding to its importance. It also has a distinguished provenance, having remained in aristocratic ownership for much of its history before reappearing on the art market in recent years.

The arrival of this portrait has also provided an opportunity to reinterpret the display within the Blue Room. Several other portraits, all connected to Earl Temple through family and marriage, have been carefully resited to better reveal the fascinating relationships between family, politics and power that helped shape Stowe’s history.

We are incredibly grateful to the Hall Bequest Trust for making this acquisition possible. Their continued support enables us to preserve and share the stories of Stowe through the objects and artworks that once formed part of its remarkable history.

Be sure to look out for this latest addition during your next visit to Stowe House.