Charles II returns to Newmarket in new portrait unveiling
Yesterday (Wednesday, November 13), a newly acquired painting of King Charles II (1630 -1685) was unveiled at the National Horseracing Museum (pictured above) by Katherine Field, Packard Curator of the British Sporting Art Trust.
Purchased with the assistance of the Friends of the Museum, the oil painting is now on display in the King’s Bedroom, part of the surviving Royal Palace of Newmarket.
It is the first Royal portrait in oil to enter the collection, and gives an opportunity to tell the story of the Stuart kings and their connection to Newmarket.
All three enjoyed hunting and racing and moved the royal court to Newmarket each year from 1605 to 1649.
The portrait is exhibited in a section of the former palace which the King commissioned to be built and is now the home of the National Horseracing Museum. The King’s mistress Nell Gwynn lived in a cottage nearby which survives on Palace Street.
After nine years in exile, Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660 and returned to Newmarket six years later.
This was his first visit since spending much time as a child in the company of his father.
He was a passionate supporter of horseracing and six match races took place during the visit.
The King visited regularly and even competed in some of the races, winning in 1671 and 1675. He also founded the Round Course, part of which is still used today as the July Course.
Charles II stayed in Newmarket for the last time in 1684 the year before his death.
Studio of Sir Peter Lely (1618 –1680), the portrait of Charles II depicts the King wearing the Order of the Garter and standing before a column.
It is an oil on canvas, measuring 126 x 100cm, set in a giltwood frame. The Provenance stems from Barons de Saumarez, Shrubland Hall, Suffolk, and was purchased from Adam’s Auctioneers of Dublin on May 1, 2024, for £12,831.
Tickets for the National Horseracing Museum (www.nhrm.co.uk) cost £15, children under 16 are free of charge. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm.