New Portrait of Mary Anning donated to Lyme Regis Museum by Local Artist
Lyme Regis Museum has this week received a generous gift: an original oil painting of Mary Anning, donated by celebrated local artist David Manners. The work will go on permanent display at the museum, which stands on the very site of her former home.
Manners, who grew up in Lyme Regis where the famous fossilist lived and worked, was inspired to create the work following the museum’s recent acquisition of a rare handwritten letter bearing Anning’s signature. Struck by the scarcity of images depicting Anning – and the repetition of a single likeness – he set about creating a new portrait informed by careful research into her appearance, dress and character. The painting also features Anning’s beloved dog, a faithful companion who appears in the few historical records of her life.
David Manners said: “Like many people from Lyme Regis, I was brought up with the story of Mary Anning. When the news of the acquisition of the letter became known, I started looking into images of her and found only one used over and over again. So I decided to do a new one – based on her looks, her clothing and her beloved dog. Knowing that the museum now stands on the site of Mary Anning’s home, I couldn’t think of a better place to house the painting, so I decided to hand ownership to the museum.”
The donation is particularly fitting given the museum’s focus on bringing Anning’s story to a wider audience. It is hoped the painting will go on display in time for the upcoming Fossil Festival (which takes place on 13th & 14th June) and alongside a new exhibition featuring the the newly acquired letter which sheds light on Mary’s thoughts and feelings, giving a new insight into her life.
Manners is no ordinary local artist. Coming to painting only in 2012 after a career in mathematics and education, his rise has been remarkable. Entirely self-taught and working exclusively in oils, he has since opened a gallery in Wilmington, North Carolina, established a permanent exhibition in Durango, Mexico, and in 2021 gained personal representation in New York City. His work has appeared on film sets for the US film industry and hangs in the home of a Hollywood A-list actor. Among his most distinguished commissions is a portrait of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
His path to painting began in unexpected circumstances. As Manners has described: “I discovered painting almost by chance having been diagnosed with PTSD. Mental health professionals suggested I take up painting for therapy. I found a box of oil paints in my attic – given to me by my aunt on my 15th birthday, 36 years previously. The results have been life changing.”
A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Museum said: “We are deeply honoured by David’s extraordinary generosity. David has given us something new: a portrait that feels alive, personal and rooted in place. It will be treasured by the museum and by everyone who visits for generations to come.”
The painting will be on display at Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QA from mid June. The museum will be offering reduced price entry over the Fossil Festival weekend – 13th/14th June. For more information, go to www.fossilfestival.com
All enquiries – ewentzell@lymeregismuseum.co.uk