V&A channels Wolf Hall spirit to buy £5 million Wolsey Angels linked with Henry VIII's tomb
This article originally appeared on Culture24.
Bronzes created for tomb of Cardinal in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall novel bought by V&A after "tenacious" project
Benedetto da Rovezzano was commissioned to complete Henry VIII's tomb following Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's death. The King never saw the finished commission© Victoria and Albert Museum, LondonMeasuring around a metre in height, the bronzes – bought by the V&A for £5 million – took five years to create, covering a period when the ruler was seeking an annulment to his marriage with Catherine of Aragon.
Wolsey envisaged them as part of a magnificent Renaissance-style tomb reflecting his wealth and statesmanship, but his inability to persuade the Pope to annul the partnership led to his fall from power, and Henry appropriated most of the tomb, including the angels, following his one-time confidant’s death in 1530.
The angels were lost for centuries until a pair reappeared at auction in 1994, unillustrated and catalogued only for their Renaissance style. A Parisian art dealer was enticed, an Italian scholar made the case for Benedetto’s hand, and they were then discovered at Harrowden Hall, a country house in Northamptonshire whose golf club gateposts they topped.
Each of Henry VIII's three children expressed their intention to complete the memorial posthumously, but failed to do so© Victoria and Albert Museum, London“We feel proud to have played a part too and hope that the Cardinal Wolsey’s Angels - thanks to their current high profile - will attract many admirers both now and in the future.”
Talbott praised the “tenacious” spirit of the V&A, where Save the Wolsey Angels badges proved a popular draw for shop visitors.
“We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to our fundraising appeal to ensure these outstanding sculptures, which were thought to be lost, are reunited and preserved at the V&A for future generations,” says Martin Roth, the museum’s Director.
“The Wolsey Angels are a vital part of our national history and artistic heritage. “
- You can see the Angels in the V&A’s Medieval and Renaissance Galleries, Room 50. Read more about them on Culture24's Facebook page.
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Elizabeth I moved the parts of the tomb to Windsor in 1565, where they stayed until 1645-6. During the Civil War elements of the tomb were sold to raise funds© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
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