Purpose

This
decision relates to two new loan requests for items in the Ipswich
Borough Council Museum collections.
 
1.   
Gainsborough’s House
(IPSMG.LO.2024.6)
This loan
is for a temporary exhibition, Gainsborough 300 (working title),
and relates to two works in the Ipswich Borough Council
Collections:
 
IPSMG:R.1946.29 - William Wollaston (1730-2797), by Thomas
Gainsborough
IPSMG:R.1959.130 – Mrs Kilderbee née Mary Wayth
(1723-1811) by Thomas Gainsborough
 
Celebrating
the 300th anniversary since Thomas Gainsborough’s
birth, Gainsborough’s House propose an exhibition with the
ambition to represent all stages of his career and development. In
its early stages, the artworks from Ipswich Borough Council will
form the backbone of the exhibition.
Supporting
this loan will continue the long-standing relationship between
Gainsborough’s House and Ipswich Museums, who are supporting
2026 exhibition plans for Constable.
 
2.   
Tate Britain (IPSMG:LO.2024.7)
This loan
is for a temporary exhibition, Thomas Gainsborough (working
titile), and relates to four works in the Ipswich Borough Council
Collections:
 
IPSMG:R.1902.10 – Tom Peartree c.1750-59 by Thomas
Gainsborough
IPSMG:R.1982.91 – Cottage Door with Girl and Pigs 1786 by
Thomas Gainsborough
IPSMG:R.1992.5 – Holywells Park 1748-50 by Thomas
Gainsborough
IPSMG:R.
1982.90 – Country Cart Crossing a Ford c.1786 by Thomas
Gainsborough
 
Curated by
Dr Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator of Historic British Art and
Dr Alice Insley, Curator, British Art c.1730-1850, at Tate Britian,
the exhibition will mark the 300th anniversary of
Gainsborough’s birth. Celebrating his unique contribution to
British art of the eighteenth century and beyond, this will be the
first major survey exhibition of Gainsborough’s work in over
20 years and an opportunity to present this much-loved artist to a
new generation of visitors.
 
An
excellent opportunity for Ipswich Borough Council Collections to
sit centre stage on a national platform during Gainsborough’s
tricentenary and continue to mutually beneficial relationship
between Tate Britain and Ipswich Museums.

Decision

1.   
Gainsborough’s House (IPSMG.LO.2024.6)
 
Loan
commences: 19th April 2027
 
Loan ends:
5th November 2027
 
Exhibition
dates: May 2027 – October 2027 (exact dates
to  be confirmed)
 
 

2.   
Tate Britain (IPSMG:LO.2024.7)
 
Loan
commences: 3rd May 2027
 
Loan ends:
29th October 2027
 
Exhibition
dates: 20th May 2027 – 17th October
2027