Rare portrait of Anne Boleyn’s opponent sparks curatorial dilemma

A portrait depicting Thomas Cromwell, identified as the “mastermind” behind Anne Boleyn’s downfall, is scheduled for display at the former queen’s childhood residence. Cromwell, who began as the son of a blacksmith, advanced to become King Henry VIII’s chief minister following the monarch’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. According to some historians, Cromwell was responsible for orchestrating Boleyn’s execution after levelling accusations of adultery against her. Dr Owen Emmerson, assistant curator at Hever Castle, initially hesitated about acquiring and exhibiting the rare 16th-Century portrait of Cromwell at Boleyn’s childhood home. He stated: “When I first saw this painting listed at auction back in 2020, I thought twice about suggesting the purchase, for fear of what Anne Boleyn would have thought of us hanging a portrait of the man who orchestrated her downfall in her home.” He continued: “However, I remembered that before Anne’s downfall, she had threatened Cromwell with his life, telling him that she wanted his head off his shoulders, and I then reasoned that, since the portrait only shows his head, we were, in a way, fulfilling her wishes.” Hever Castle purchased the painting in 2020, after which it underwent restoration. For centuries prior, it had been part of the Duke of Manchester’s collection. The artwork previously hung at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire, which served as the final residence for King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, where she was exiled and subsequently died in 1536. This Sunday, the second episode of the BBC drama Wolf Hall, series two, will be broadcast on BBC One, continuing the narrative of Cromwell’s ascent to power. Dr Emmerson served as a historical consultant for the initial episode of the new series, which aired on 10 November. BBC Kent encourages interaction on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.