St John’s Elijah (new church)

Original titleNew Church Communion
Year painted1824
Museum reference numberPR168
Address and postcodeManor Farm Lane, Egham TW20 9HL
Listed building numberThe main church building is Grade II listed 11/07/51
List entry: 1189321
Construction date of building depicted and major alterationsThe new church was built between 1817 and 1820. See the image of St John’s west entrance for more details.

The painting in this image is Elijah Raising the Widow’s Son by Richard Westall (1765-1836),
History of ownership/residents and useRichard Westall was tutor to the young Princess Victoria. This image of Elijah was one of his larger paintings and was purchased by the directors of the British Institution for 450 guineas in 1813.  It was given to the church by the Institution’s directors in response to appeals by Lord Bulkeley and Sir H. Freemantle and it originally hung between the 10 commandments.

In 1949, a person intending to commit arson in the church destroyed most of the large painting, leaving behind a portion of the portrait which can now be seen on the left-hand side of the church.
Location’s present statusThe section of the painting that remains is still on display in the church.
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