None but the meanest would argue that Felix Cobbold’s gift of Christchurch Mansion was anything but an enormous benefit to the people of Ipswich. In recognition of his generosity, grateful citizens subscribed to the portrait of the benefactor by John Collyer, which hangs at the west end of the grand hall.
Christchurch Mansion is managed by Colchester and Ipswich Museums and enthusiastically supported by the Friends of Ipswich Museums, a body of volunteers to which the Trust has donated in the past. Recently, the Friends launched a campaign to prolong the life of pictures in the Mansion by re-glazing with non-reflecting glass. The Trust is proud to have stepped up to the mark and to have provided the funds necessary for the re-glazing of Felix’s portrait.
As part of Wolsey 550, the celebration of Ipswich’s famous forefather, Erica Burrows, a Friend and a keen supporter of our Trust, joined the parade having donned Tudor dress. Visitors to the re-opening of Holywells Park in 2015 will remember Erica helping the Trust display the Elizabeth Cobbold Valentines in the Conservatory.
Earlier this year Christchurch was the scene of another celebration which unfortunately I was unable to attend. Rowell Bell, another keen promoter of our Trust and donor to our new Virtual Memorial Wall, chose it as the venue for his 80th birthday party. Felix would have looked hungrily but approvingly at those 80 cup cakes.
Anthony Cobbold
