Biography
The collection of Sir Thomas William Holburne, 5th Baronet of Menstrie (1793-1874) of over 4,000 objects, including important 17th- and 18th-century silver and porcelain, Italian maiolica and bronzes, portrait miniatures, books and furniture as well as over 250 pictures, was bequeathed to the people of Bath by his sister, Mary Anne Barbara Holburne (1802-1882).
The picture collection has been greatly enhanced during the 20th century with bequests, gifts and purchases including 18th-century British portraits by Ramsay, Stubbs and Gainsborough. Most recently, the Holburne has acquired much of the Somerset Maugham collection of 18th-century theatrical portraits, including five by Zoffany.
The Holburne Museum is located in the former Sydney Hotel, at the end of Great Pulteney Street, in the Sydney Gardens. It first opened its doors to the public in 1893 and moved to its current home in 1916. The museum reopened in May 2011 after restoration and a three-storey block of glass extension, designed by Eric Parry Architects which was supported by the Heriatge Lottery Fund. It became a museum member of the Contemporary Art Society for the first time in 2022, looking to expand its renowned ceramic collection.
