Henry VIII – a subject of endless fascination

Apr 16 2009 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE Liverpool Walker Art Gallery’s stunning Henry VIII portrait features in a four-part TV documentary to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Tudor King’s accession to the throne.

The gallery’s painting is based on Hans Holbein’s famous mural at Whitehall Palace which was destroyed by fire more than 300 years ago.

Historian Dr David Starkey filmed at the Walker for Channel 4’s Henry VIII: Mind of a Tyrant.

He’ll be seen in front of the Holbein portrait, one of the gallery’s most popular paintings.

The documentary coincides with the 500th anniversary of Henry’s accession on April 21, 1509.

The Holbein mural, most likely painted on a wall in Henry’s privy chamber at Whitehall, was the first life-size, full-length portrait of a monarch created in England.

It featured Henry, his Queen Jane Seymour and his parents Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

Xanthe Brooke, curator of fine art and the Walker’s Henry expert, said: “Our Henry VIII is one of the most popular and best known paintings in the gallery. Visitors are always struck by his magnificent presence, and schoolchildren especially are fascinated by his story.

“Although we’re not sure exactly who painted it, the portrait was more than likely commissioned by a very important courtier declaring his allegiance to Henry.”

The painting came to the Walker through a connection with Jane Seymour’s family (Seymour was Henry’s third wife), although its exact origin is unknown.

Notorious for executing two of his wives and hundreds of former friends and enemies alike, Henry VIII is also feted by historians for bringing a period of relative stability and prosperity.

Responsible for the creation of the Church of England, Henry was the principle founder of the Royal Navy and a patron of the arts.

To celebrate the 500th anniversary, the Walker is hosting a ‘Terrible Tudors’ family fun day on Saturday, April 18.

The free Tudor-themed day features mask-making, music performances, drawing activities, and more from 11am-4pm.