The Bearsted Collection

This beautiful book explores the art of Elizabethan and Jacobean portrait miniatures through the exceptional collection of Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted.

Portrait miniatures, painted with exceptional detail on a small scale, capture the elegance and intrigue of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. England led this refined art form, particularly through the work of Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver. These exquisite portraits reflected the values and ambitions of their patrons, flourishing in a culture rich in symbolism, elaborate attire, and hidden meanings.

Versatile in function, they served both as intimate keepsakes — tucked into lockets or worn discreetly — and as bold displays of wealth and identity, often set into fine jewellery. For Hilliard, who was court limner to Elizabeth I and James VI & I, they also projected royal authority. Known for their technical mastery and symbolic depth, portrait miniatures have captivated collectors for generations.

One notable collector, Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted, amassed a remarkable array of European art, including a rare group of early English miniatures. While most of his collection passed to the National Trust in 1948, this group of early English miniatures remained with the family and are now the centrepiece of this exhibition and catalogue.

Exhibition schedule

Philip Mould & Company

19th November to 19th December 2025