Mary Beale at Moyse’s Hall

Mary Beale Self Portrait

Observations: Moyse’s Hall

A new one-off exhibition celebrating the work of Mary Beale - one of the most successful portrait painters of the late 17th century and widely believed to be England's first professional female painter, is to be held at Moyse’s Hall Museum, in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. Observations: The Mary Beale Collection will run from October 23rd until January 30th.

This exhibition will be the first time that West Suffolk Heritage Service has displayed its full collection of over 25 of Mary’s original portraits of the great and good (or questionable) of 17th century England; believed to be the largest collection held by any public institution. It will include the Heritage Service’s first public showing of a recent acquisition from a private estate. Several specialist speakers/authors will also be giving talks at the museum. rector, John Craddock. His tuition and lay interest in the arts led her to pursue her own career as a professional portrait artist.

Mary lived during, and in the immediate aftermath of England’s Civil War, as well as the tumult of the 17th century Bubonic plague in a century dogged by religious conflict. While perhaps surprising to imagine a professional female during this period, she was not unique. With the assistance of her husband Charles and his connections with some of English society’s biggest names from both the art and political worlds, Mary became one of the most eminent artists of 17th century England with a studio on The Mall.

This exhibition hopes to tell the story of how a family in the 17th century would reverse the societal norms of the patriarchal home to professionally succeed in the practice of commercial arts.