circa 1810

[BECKFORD, William (1760-1844).] Fonthill Abbey, oil on canvas painting, circa 1810.

Fonthill Abbey was the fantastical home of William Beckford, one of the most notorious bibliomaniacs from an age of bibliomania. When the contents of Fonthill Abbey were sold at auction in 1823, there were 3960 lots of books and 1588 lots of furniture, paintings, drawings and other decorative objects, sold over a period of thirty-seven days. Due to financial mismanagement and depreciation of his West India property, Lord Beckford was forced in 1822 to sell his birthhouse to John Farquhar who immediately proceeded to put the contents up for sale.

Original oil on canvas painting, 228 x 280mm, framed to 11 x 13 inches.