A portfolio of 24 drawings, fourteen of Rufford Abbey, five of Ollerton Hall, three of a proposed church at Ollerton, one possibly of Osberton Hall and one unidentified. They were probably commissioned by Sir George Savile, 8th Bt. (1726-1784), the owner of Rufford Abbey and Ollerton Hall. Osberton Hall belonged to his brother-in-law John Thornhagh (1721-1787). Twenty of the drawings are probably by James Gibbs (1682-1754), one of the foremost architects of the eighteenth century. Most are surveys, except for the proposals for Ollerton Church and three perspectives in landscape of Rufford Abbey by another hand. It is possible that they were intended for publication in a county history.
Item Provenance
Sotheby’s, 6 July, 2010, lot 215