John Rolle Walter By Pompeo Batoni

Portrait of John Rolle Walter (1712-1779) of Stevenstone, in the parish of Great Torrington, Devon, painted c. 1753 by Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787). The Rolle family were lords of the manor of Great Torrington, and were the greatest landowners in Devonshire during the 18th and 19th centuries (Return of Owners of Land, 1873). Provenance: Commissioned by the sitter whilst on the Grand Tour in Rome. Formerly hanging in Stevenstone House, Great Torrington. Donated / bequeathed by Hon. Mark Rolle (possibly by his elder brother and heir Lord Clinton) to Great Torrington Almshouse, Town Lands and Poors Charities, displayed in Great Torrington Town Hall, sold by the Charities to Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, funds for the purchase having been raised by public appeal, patrons including the actress Joanna Lumley. Not on public display, in permanent storage. Facsimilie hanging in Mayor's Parlour, Great Torrington Town Hall.