Rare portraits from 300 years of Staffordshire's storied Wolseley dynasty to be sold at auction

A collection of 22 ancestral portraits spanning three centuries of the Wolseley family of Staffordshire will be available to purchase at auction next week.

The Wolseley Baronetcy was created in 1628 for Robert Wolseley, a member of an ancient Staffordshire family and a colonel in Charles I's army, but historical records place the family at Wolseley Hall, their ancestral seat near Rugeley, by 1066.

Now portraits of the Wolseleys that graced Wolseley Hall are going under the hammer on Tuesday (November 3) with items from the collection set to make £50,000–£70,000 in total.

Batemans Auctioneers said that among these portraits is a pair of 18th-century pastel portraits by English painter John Russell RA of Sir William Wolseley, the sixth Baronet, and his wife, Lady Charlotte (estimate £15,000–£25,000).

Also featured is a 17th-century portrait of Sir Robert Wolseley, the first Baronet.

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These portraits are among the 22 lots that will be available to purchase:

Portraits of Sir William Wolseley, sixth baronet, and his wife Lady Charlotte Wolseley

Painted by John Russell RA and signed by him, these portraits depict their sitters in half-length, with Sir William wearing a red jacket and Lady Charlotte dressed in a blue silk gown, holding a book in a contemplative pose.

Batemans said: “Sir William, born in 1740, served as a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King George III, following in his father's footsteps. He was known for his wit and sociability and belonged to the Nameless Club, whose members included figures such as David Garrick, Oliver Goldsmith and Dr Samuel Johnson.

“Yet his reputation for gambling and extravagant spending also contributed to the loss of substantial portions of the family estate and its possessions. His marriage to Lady Charlotte Chambers was a love match and the couple had 12 children. Both were buried at Colwich Church, Staffordshire.

“The portraits offer a compelling juxtaposition of Georgian elegance and the more complicated personal history behind the family.”

This painting carries an estimate of £15,000–£25,000 (Lot 173).

Portrait of Sir Robert Wolseley, first Baronet (1587–1646)

The painting shows Robert Wolseley, aged 33, who was made the first Baronet by King Charles I in 1628.

He is facing forward in black clothing with an elaborate lace collar and cuffs and the painting is accompanied by an inscription recording his marriage to Mary, daughter of Sir George Wroughton of Wilncote, Wiltshire.

His coat of arms is also recorded on the panel.

This painting carries an estimate of £4,000–£6,000 (Lot 169).

Portrait of Joseph Wolseley (1833–1913), first Viscount Wolseley

Painted by William Alan Menzies, this portrait shows the first Viscount Wolseley in a ceremonial military uniform with decorations.

On the back of the portrait is inscribed “Lord Wolseley F.M 1905 after E Fuchs by W A Menzies”. The painting retains its artist’s label and is presented in a plain gilt frame.

This painting carries an estimate of £1,000–£2,000 (Lot 162).

Portrait of Anna ‘Nannie’ Theresa Murphy

This portrait by George Peter Alexander Healy (American, 1813–1894) is signed and dated by the artist. It retains its gilt gesso frame and a period depository label to the reverse.

It shows Anna ‘Nannie’ Theresa Murphy, who became Lady Wolseley through her marriage to Sir Charles Wolseley, ninth Baronet, in 1883.

Painted before her marriage, in 1876, it is a half-length oil portrait that shows Anna wearing a white dress with large cuffs, a cross-shaped pendant, a silver bangle and rings, with a pencil held in her right hand.

This painting carries an estimate of £600–£800 (Lot 160).

Greg Bateman, managing director and senior valuer at Batemans Auctioneers, said: “What makes this collection particularly fascinating is that these are not simply portraits of people from the past.

“Collectively these paintings tell the story of a family across generations.

“We are very proud to have been entrusted with bringing these paintings and their remarkable stories to a new audience, where they can be enjoyed once more.”

Find a catalogue for the auction, and watch or bid live on Tuesday, at https://auctions.batemans.com/en/events/1275-november-curated-collectable-sale.