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Portrait of Thomas Wilson Bishop of Sodor and Man (1663 - 1755)

Date made: n.d.

Artist: Philips, Charles

Description: Thomas Wilson, Bishop of Sodor and Man in black and white gowns, seated, holding map of the Isle of Man.

Bishop Thomas Wilson, was born in 1663 and became Bishop of the Diocese of Sodor and Man in 1697. He oversaw a programme of church construction on the Island, in addition to the production of the first prayer book in the Manx language. He supported the introduction of an Act of Tynwald to allow tenants to sell and pass down their property and was well-known for his donations to the poor.

The painting is unsigned and undated. The portarit has always been attributed to London portrait painter Charles Philips (1703-1747). In recent years there has been a suggestion that in fact the painting might have been executed in 1720 by Charles' father, Richard Philips (1681-1741).

Measurements: overall: 122 cm x 100 cm

Materials: oil on canvas

Object name: painting

Collection: Art Collection

ID number: 1954-7823

Subject tags : Isle of Man

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This painting CANNOT be by Charles Philips who did not begin to paint professionally until the 1730s. By this date the Bishop would have been circa 70 years old - your portrait depicts a much younger man. An engraving, by Simon, of the 1720s after your portrait names the painter as R. Phillips - Richard Phillips, active in the 1720s was Charles's father. Please ammend yours and the ArtUK websites to correct your error. - Rodney Griffiths Report this

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