Wentworth Woodhouse has five remarkable portraits that connect us directly to the House’s early history. These paintings are the only remaining portraits from the original Wentworth Woodhouse collection still in existence at the site.

They depict Thomas Watson Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham, his wife Mary, Marchioness of Rockingham, and their daughters Henrietta, Mary, and Anne, and son Charles. The portraits are by Philip Mercier and Sir Godfrey Kneller, leading portrait painters of the time. Together, these portraits provide a rare and personal glimpse into the family who shaped the early story of this extraordinary House.

Displayed on the ground floor of the Mansion, these historic paintings have survived centuries but now require essential conservation and restoration. Time, environmental conditions, and age mean the paintings need specialist restoration to ensure they can be preserved for generations to come.

One of the paintings, of Charles, Lord Higham and his sister Anne, has been restored following a donation from the Aldama Foundation.

This campaign will fund:

- Professional conservation of the other 4 paintings

- Restoration of the original frames where needed

- Careful cleaning of the fireplaces in the display rooms

- Specialist transport required for conservation work

Every donation will help safeguard these irreplaceable artworks and ensure visitors can continue to encounter the people who shaped the story of Wentworth Woodhouse.

By supporting this campaign, you will be helping to protect a unique piece of the House’s history and ensure that these portraits remain part of the story of Wentworth Woodhouse for generations to come.