Portrait of historical 18th Century figure returns to Isle of Man

The miniature is the only known colour depiction of George Quayle

A set of miniature portraits, including the only known colour depiction of historical figure George Quayle has returned to the Isle of Man.

The four portraits of the Quayle family includes the 18th Century politician who was famous for owning the world's oldest yacht, the Peggy.

Manx National Heritage (MNH) acquired the collection at an auction in the south west of England.

Curator Matthew Richardson said it was a career highlight to see it return.

The "star item" among the four portraits of the Castletown family was "undoubtedly an image of Captain George Quayle", an MNH spokeswoman said.

As well as owning the Peggy, he was also a member of the House of Keys.

'Breathtaking'

His portrait sits alongside his maternal grandfather, Sir George Moore, who was Speaker of the House of Keys; his father, John Quayle, and his paternal grandfather, John Quayle.

Mr Richardson, curator of art and social history, said they knew the portrait existed but assumed it was lost or destroyed after a black and white line drawing of it had not been seen since the 1930s.

He said: "To find this item again, and to bring it back to the Isle of Man, has got to be one of the highlights of my 20-plus years working with Manx National Heritage.

"George sits resplendent in his uniform as a captain in the Manx Fencible Regiment of 1779... to see the scarlet tunic in all its glory is quite breathtaking."

MNH's Conservator Chris Weeks (left) and Matthew Richardson welcomed the portraits to the national gallery

The MNH spokeswoman added: "The Quayle family played a key role in the administration and economy of the Isle of Man during a time of constitutional change, following the Act of Revestment.

"The family were heavily involved in high politics as well as the military, economic and social life of the Island."

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