Have You Seen This Painting?

PAINTING - "DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE" by Richard H C UBSDELL (1812 - 1887)

Background:  Richard Ubsdell was born and bred in the Portsmouth area and a noted artist in his lifetime.   He was also a Freemason being initiated on 11th October 1866 into Portsmouth No 487 (WM 1872)  He was also a member of the Royal Arch 487, and a Mark Mason in Portsmouth 17 TI.  His work was mainly watercolour paintings of Hampshire and Hampshire churches including the Isle of Wight and in particular St Lawrence Church, Ventnor.  Some 100 works by Ubsdell are held by Portsmouth Museum in addition to which other works are held in the Royal Collection, at the National Maritime Museum, Uppark House the National Trust Property, Winchester Cathedral and at Jane Austen's House at Chawton.  Portsmouth City Council plan an exhibition in 2012 to mark the bicentennial of the birth of Charles Dickens and Richard Ubsdell.  To share a platform with Charles Dickens does, I believe, indicate the high regard in which Richard Ubsdell is held.

The Temple of King Solomon  Richard Ubsdell carried out a great deal of historic research over several years on the Temple of King Solomon and in 1875 completed a painting "Dedication of the Temple".  To raise money for charitable causes he proposed to (and it is believed did) sell his picture by means of an "Art Union" whereby Lodges would purchase a 'share' at One Guinea each and the winning lodge would receive the painting (10" X 12") - we would call it a raffle today!  All participating lodges would receive a photograph of the painting - Mr Ubsdell was also a photographer. 

It was Richard Ubsdell' s practice to sign his paintings on the back rather than the front, so identifying the painting would not be immediately obvious.  Photographs would probably have had his "Ubsdell Studio" stamp on the back and might well be signed.

The Aim  of this notice is to attempt to discover the whereabouts of the painting or at least a copy of the photograph of it.   It would also be of great interest should any other of his paintings be discovered of course.  As many lodges in the Portsmouth area are likely to have taken part in the 'raffle' it is quite possible that at least a photograph might come to light.  Can I ask that an examination be made in Masonic centres in the Province of pictures hanging on the walls or stored in cupboards to see if the one in question or a photograph of it in particular, or any other works of RHC Ubsdell can be identified.  Mr Christopher Brindle, the great, great, great grandson of Richare Ubsdell on whose behalf I am appealing would be most grateful af any help.

Contact  Should any information come to light please advise W Bro Peter James, 17 Shotterfield Terrace, Liss, Hants GU33 7DY, Telephone 01730 893328 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who will be pleased to pass it on to Mr Chris Brindle