Lionel Tollemache, 4th Earl of Dysart (1708-1770)
Lionel Tollemache born at the family's Suffolk seat Helmingham Hall in 1708. He inherited his grandfather's title and extensive estates becoming 4th Earl of Dysart in 1727. His inheritance included Ham House, Surrey; Helmingham Hall, Suffolk; Harrington and a 20,000 acre estate in Cheshire. Two years later in 1729 he was elected High Steward of Ipswich and in the same year married Lady Grace Carteret (1713-1755), daughter of John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville.

Although he commissioned many new pieces for his houses he did not sweep aside the work of his ancestors. Both at Helmingham and Ham he renovated and refurbished, adding to the existing collections, in many cases in an antiquarian spirit. At Ham he instructed architect John James to conduct a detailed structural survey which showed the house required urgent works, the costs of which are recorded in the Earl's account books. The Marble Dining Room was redecorated and a new drawing room was also created for which the the latest furnishings, silver and upholstery were purchased, as detailed in the surviving account books.

As a young man he travelled extensively on the Continent visiting France, Switzerland and Italy. Over six feet in height, he had an understated style, spending little time on his public life preferring to devote his efforts to his houses and collections. Extensive research has been conducted into his work and collections at Ham House in the work edited by Christopher Rowell, Ham House, 400 Years of Collecting and Patronage, London, 2013. Archival research by Elizabeth Jamieson and a study of the 4th Earl's silver collection by Tessa Murdoch reveals a meticulous record-keeper and dedicated patron. Surviving pieces from the Earl's collection and a treasure trove of silversmiths bills document the Earl's taste for the finest work of the leading Huguenot goldsmiths of the day. Paul Crespin supplied much of the Earl's dinner service, Anne Tanqueray pieces for the dressing table, and her brother David Willaume a chamber pot and a bread basket.

His purchases were not restricted to London goldsmiths. His love of the latest fashion is demonstrated by his acquisition of the magnificent candelabra by the greatest 18th century Parisian goldsmith, Thomas Germain. Much copied by later goldsmiths they epitomise the sculptural quality of Germain's work. Tessa Murdoch notes that 'the engraved armorials on any silver he had inherited were replaced with his own' (op. cit., p.240).

Horace Walpole sharply referred to the Earl, who was created a Knight of the Thistle in 1743, as 'a strange brute' and 'an indigent usurer'. He died in 1770 at the age of 73 and was buried at Helmingham, Suffolk, with an elaborate funeral.