Painted plaster panel, part of an entire scheme of painted decoration for a room, this panel showing a lion rampant and a female term figure. English, 1586-1620.

A panel forming part of a scheme of wall decoration, painted in black on a grey ground with an heraldic lion rampant to the left and, to the right, a winged female figure holding up a mirror in her left hand. The lower part of her body extends into large, foliated scrolls and feet in the form of animal paws.

Given by A. E. Lack

This panel was given to the Museum in 1934 by A.E. Lack Esq. of Holland Hall, Great Yarmouth. Nominal File: Lack, A.E. (MA/1/L30) contains the Registered Papers. In May 1934 the Rev. H. Tyrell Green, Breckland Cottage, Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk, wrote to the V&A sending a photograph of the panel, noting 'This is the only remaining portion of a design which, at one time, appears to have continued round the room.' He offered it to the V&A, noting, 'It was offered to me for the Thetford Museum, but I thought that if the V&A would like it, that it was the most suitable place for it.' He asked for advice on removing the plaster panel as demolition of the house was about to take place. He noted that 'The Manor House is said to have been built by Sir Henry North soon after 1586, so the painting may be early 17th century.'

A note from Oliver Brackett records that it was removed with difficulty and pieces had to be re-assembled.

W.29-1934