Charles Townley Paintings

Charles Townley was an eminent British antiquary and art collector, renowned for his remarkable collection of classical marbles and sculptures. Born on October 1, 1737, in Towneley Hall, Lancashire, England, into an old Catholic gentry family, Townley developed an early interest in arts and antiquities, which blossomed during his education at the English College, Douai, France. His passion for collecting was significantly influenced by his Grand Tour, a rite of passage for wealthy young men of the time, which he embarked upon in 1765. During his travels across Europe, especially in Italy, Townley was deeply inspired by classical antiquities, prompting him to start his own collection.

Townley's collection became one of the most celebrated of its time. He was particularly interested in ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, and he amassed a vast number of statues, busts, and other artifacts. His acquisitions were not just for personal enjoyment; Townley was keen on studying these works, discussing them with contemporary scholars, and understanding the ancient civilizations from which they came. His London residence and Towneley Hall both housed his growing collection, which he meticulously catalogued and shared with the intellectual community.

Beyond collecting, Townley was an active member of the Society of Dilettanti, which aimed to promote and encourage interest in classical art and the study of ancient Greek and Roman antiquity. His expertise and his collection earned him respect and admiration from fellow collectors, scholars, and artists. The Townley Marbles, as his collection came to be known, were particularly famous and included significant pieces such as the Townley Venus, the Discobolus, and the Townley Vase.

Upon his death on January 3, 1805, Charles Townley's collection was sought after by numerous institutions. In 1805, a substantial part of his collection was purchased by the British Museum, where it remains a highlight of the museum's Greek and Roman antiquities collection. Townley's legacy extends beyond his collection; his dedication to classical art has been credited with influencing the neoclassical movement in Britain. His work and collection continued to inspire and educate generations of historians, artists, and scholars on the significance and beauty of classical antiquities.