Collingwood on canvas
05-MAR-10
Issued by: Duncan Bennett
A painting of Admiral Lord Collingwood is to be displayed for the first time in years as part of an initiative to celebrate of his life.
The portrait, which is usually kept in storage, is part of North Tyneside Council's art collection.
It will be displayed in Quadrant, the local authority's headquarters on the Cobalt Business Park, above the entrance to the council chamber.
The painting is due to be hung this afternoon, two days before a remembrance service at Collingwood Monument in Tynemouth, which will coincide with the bi-centenary of Admiral Lord Collingwood's death.
Both events form part of the Collingwood 2010 Festival, which is a year-long celebration of the life of Admiral Lord Collingwood.
The region-wide initiative is devoted to highlighting his role at the Battle of Trafalgar when he directed the fleet to victory, as Nelson lay mortally wounded.
North Tyneside elected mayor Linda Arkley, who will be laying a tribute at the remembrance service, said: "I'm really pleased that our borough is helping to recognise the achievements of Admiral Lord Admiral Collingwood.
"The Collingwood Monument in Tynemouth is a lasting symbol to the crucial role he played at the Battle of Trafalgar.
"But we're keen to help raise his profile further, which is why we're displaying this painting and hosting the remembrance service on Sunday."
The artist of the portrait is unknown but has been attributed to Colvin Smith (1795-1875), a Scottish portrait painter.
The subject's pose is very similar to that shown in a portrait of Collingwood which is definitely by Smith, and the artist is known to have made replicas of one of his most popular portraits, of Sir Walter Scott, so could have painted this portrait.
However, the council's art collection inventory has the work listed as 'After William Owen'. Admired by Sir Joshua Reynolds, William Owen (1769-1825) had a reputation as one of the best portraitists of his time, with a prolific output.
There is no evidence that Owen ever painted Collingwood, and the attribution most likely refers to the portrait being in Owen's style.
For more about the Collingwood 2010 festival, visit www.collingwood2010.co.uk
ENDS