Decision details

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 300^th 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 300^th 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.

1.    Gainsborough’s House (IPSMG.LO.2024.6)

Loan commences: 19^th April 2027

Loan ends: 5^th November 2027

Exhibition dates: May 2027 – October 2027 (exact dates to  be confirmed)

2.    Tate Britain (IPSMG:LO.2024.7)

Loan commences: 3^rd May 2027

Loan ends: 29^th October 2027

Exhibition dates: 20^th May 2027 – 17^th October 2027