It was listed by Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
The artist is an unknown English provincial painter but he has managed to capture the youthful freshness of the young boy. The portrait has a real charm and a quality of intimacy.
SANDFORD TATHAM (1755-1840) was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy in December 1776 at the age of 21. He was appointed Commander in September 1790 and was commissioned Captain in November 1794. His commands were HMS Argo and HMS Dromedary. In 1794 the Dromedary sailed with the fleet of Sir John Jervis from Barbados to Martinique for an assault on the French and later that year, still under Sandford's command, took part in operations at the islands of Martinique, St. Lucia and Guadaloupe.
Sandford retired as Superannuated Rear Admiral in December 1813.
His wife was a member of the Davison family from the Durham area.
In 1830, in a celebrated court case, Admiral Tatham laid claim to the historic Hornby Castle against a distant cousin, the Rev. Anthony Lister of Gargrave, Yorkshire. Four trials were held in 1830, 1833, 1834 and 1836; the verdict was for Tatham and a similar decision was made in the Queen's bench and was finally confirmed by the House of Lords in 1838.
The admiral died at Hornby Castle in 1840, aged 85, his wife died in 1842.
A brass set in the floor of St. Margaret's Church,Hornby commemorates Tatham and two fine funeral hatchments painted with the Tatham and Davison coats of arms hang on the walls.
(Image 5 shows Hornby Castle)
SIZE: 32 x 27 inches inc. frame.
PROVENANCE: Private Collection, Gloucestershire.
VERSO: old pencil inscription on stretcher 'Admiral Tatham of Hornby Castle'
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
Sold....portrait of Sandford Tatham C.1765/70: English School
