Sir Harbord Harbord Bt (1734-1810), MP for Norwich

Thomas Gainsborough was one of the leading portrait painters of his time. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy, where this painting was exhibited in 1783.

Sir Harbord Harbord (1734-1810) was a landowner and Whig MP for Norwich between 1756 and 1786. The English Chronicle wrote that 'in private life he is a kind of rustic Despot - rigid to his tenants, tyrannic and lofty', but 'in his public conduct [he is] the friend to freedom, and votes invariably on the side of liberty and patriotism.' Here Gainsborough has depicted him as the confident master of his country estate, leaning with elegant grace against a classical urn. The painting was purchased for Norwich through donations from local manufacturers and 'other principal inhabitants'.