Lost Portraits Rediscovered

An Exhibition and Book Launch

An important Greek classicist unearthed in a house clearance; the King of France uncovered in a small country auction room; a star of the Georgian stage forgotten in a cupboard: these are just some of the lost portraits rediscovered. Rescued from obscurity these paintings introduce the reader to a fascinating variety of colourful, historical individuals whose unique portraits fortunately, once more, have been discovered.

This November we are highlighting some of the portrait discoveries my colleague Miles Barton has made over a period of some 20 years. From 29th November to 6th December there is an exhibition and book launch focussing on ‘Lost Portraits Rediscovered’.

Including some portraits from the book, the exhibition will showcase other paintings found in obscurity and once more presented in their true light. Including artists across the spectrum of largely British portraiture, it will incorporate well-known painters and some more overlooked hidden talents that have for too long been ignored.

There is no doubt that the glorious paintings presented will generate delight and interest in equal measure to anyone fascinated in the history of art and society in the period stretching from the reign of Charles I to that of Victoria.

Miles Barton has over 30 years of experience in the fine art and antiques world. He was previously with both Phillips and Sotheby’s auctioneers in London and now works independently. His main focus has been discovering unrecognised ‘lost’ works often known as ‘sleepers.’ With a focus on historic portraiture, he has made some notable discoveries which are now with national and international collections, such as the British Museum, London and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris.

He has advised and undertaken valuations and inventories for auction houses, public and private collections and written on matters associated with British history and art for publications, such as the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and the Georgian Group Journal. He has also been an historical adviser on several period feature films including the Academy Award-winning ‘The Madness of King George’. Through the charity Art UK he helps public art collections across the country make new discoveries.

For further information about the author, visit www.milesbarton.com.

Timothy Langston Fine Art & Antiques is based in the Pimlico Road Design District, London, specialising in the eighteenth and nineteenth-century fine and decorative arts. In addition to English and Continental furniture, it is a known source for collectors of historic portraiture.