View, supposedly of Poynton Hall, Cheshire

Richard Roper (attributed to)

Summary

Grounds of Poynton Hall, Cheshire. In the foreground is a boy holding onto the reins of a black horse, on the left is a gentleman wearing dark riding clothes and a hat, two hounds are stood at his feet on the left. In the background is Poynton Hall, surrounded by trees and extensive grounds. White fencing is positioned in a ring suggesting an area for horse riding in front of the hall. Figures can be seen in the backgroud, possibly children.

Display Label

View, supposedly of Poynton Hall, Cheshire about 1750 Richard Roper active 1735 - about 1775 Oil on canvas A keen huntsman shows off his fine horse with his land and property in the background. Since the Gallery purchased this picture in 1981, the curators have been attempting to identify the hall. We centred our research locally, as the artist to whom the painting was attributed - Knutsford artist Thomas Stringer - painted local views. However, sporting art experts suggested a new attribution in 2014, Richard Roper. His origins are not known. The identification of the now-demolished Poynton Hall was always dubious, and it is only retained now in lieu of a better suggestion. This house is not a stately home; it has no grand approach and it is surrounded by fields, not parkland. If any visitors have a convincing identification, please let our curators know. Purchased with the assistance of the Victoria & Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund 1981.62