Purpose

This decision relates to one new loan request
for an item in the Ipswich Borough Council Museum collections.

1.   
Conholt Park (IPSMG:LO.2025.1) This loan relates to one work in the
Ipswich Borough Council Collections. IPSMG:R.1966.61 – Sir
Philip Meadows (1626–1718), c.1710, oil on canvas
 
An opportunity has arisen for the artwork to
be fully conserved, framed and glazed for display at the location
which Sir Philip Meadows resided, Conholt Park, Wiltshire. Conholt
Park is a Grade II* listed building originally built in the 17th
century.
 
Since it was bequeathed to Ipswich in 1966,
staff have been unable to find any record of it having been on
display. There are no plans for its future use, and it would
greatly benefit from conservation work.
 
The artwork would be displayed in private
museum owned by Mr Stephen A Schwarzman KBE, located in the former
18th century stable block and coach house (Grade II listed). It
will sit alongside a private art collection and agreed loans from
other institutions such as Wiltshire Museum. The artwork will be
accessible to researchers looking into the Meadows family.
 
All environmental conditions will be met and
all costs, including staff time, will be covered by the borrower.
The cleaning and conservation of the artwork would be undertaken by
an accredited conservator.
 
This loan provides an excellent opportunity
for the work to be conserved and preserved for the future and the
potential to build a relationship with a generous
philanthropist.
 
It is suggested an initial loan period of one
year is approved, after which staff can make a secondary visit to
see the painting in situ and conduct a condition check. Should the
conditions continue to be satisfactory and there are no planned
uses for the painting it is recommended a three-year renewal loan
is entered into by both parties.
 
Loan commences: September 2025.
Loan ends: Review date September 2026
and if satisfactory, extend to September 2029.

Decision

To approve the loan of the artwork.
 
Reason:
To allow for the artwork to be fully
conserved, frames and glazed for display and to be accessible for
researchers looking into the Meadows family.