Charles Jennens: Patron & Polymath

Delightful display at the Foundling Museum looking at life of Charles Jennens, librettist off The Messiah.

This was just a small display but covered his art collecting, philanthropy and writing. His father died in 1747 leaving him 34 properties in 6 countries. In an inventory of his house, Gopsall, it listed over 500 works of art.

Interestingly he was a non-juror, someone who supported the legitimacy of the deposed Catholic Stuart monarchy, although he himself was a devout Protestant. As such he was barred from public office so had time to devote himself to other things.

The display included his letter to Edward Holdsworth outlining his idea for Messiah saying he was going to ask Handel to set it to music as well as two portraits of him to introduce you to the display.

He seemed such an interesting man that I bought the small book about him that was on sale in the shop.

Closes 3 January 2023

 

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