James Seymour London 1702-1752

Sir William Jolliffe (1665-1751) was Seymour's principal patron and he features in a number of Seymour's racing pictures.  Jolliffe was a Director of the Bank of England from 1714 to 1742 and of the Royal African Company from 1699 to 1706.  He was a keen follower of horse racing and commissioned both Seymour and Wootton to paint racing pictures for Epsom House in Surrey.  It is likely that his connection with Seymour arose through the artist's father, who was also a banker and a goldsmith who supplied racing trophies.  Jolliffe, who made his fortune as a Turkey merchant and moneylender, owned estates in Surrey, Essex, and Yorkshire, and was M.P. for Petersfield in 1734.  His will left provision for a statue of William III which stands in the Square at Petersfield.  Another version of this composition, signed and dated 1746, was sold in these rooms on 28th April 1976, lot 186.