The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford presents The English Prize. The Capture of the Westmorland, an Episode of the Grand Tour, an exhibition on view 17th May 2012 to 27th August 2012.
In January 1779, The Westmorland, an armed merchant ship sailing from Livorno to London, was captured by the French, laden with works of art, books and antiquities accumulated by Grand Tourists on their travels through Italy.
The cargo was acquired by the King of Spain and presented to the Royal Academy in Madrid. New research has pieced together the story, offering a unique insight into the interests and everyday lives of British travellers. The English Prize assembles material from the captured ship, from portraits by Pompeo Batoni, to antique-style sculpture, guide-books, and maps, presenting an exhibition which is a mix of detective work and colourful characters from the 18th century.
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St
Oxford
OX1 2PH
www.ashmolean.org