Lot 27: Richard Philips (circa 1681-1741 London) Portrait of Sir Robert Geffery, with later additions on left and top edge, overall size 253 x 173 cm. (99 ½ x 68 in.) in an elaborate William Kent style carved and giltwood frame

Portrait of Sir Robert Geffery, Lord Mayor of London, standing full-length in his robes and chain of office, beside a table against which rests a mace, in an interior
bears later inscription 'SR: GEFFEREY A WORTHY BENEFACTOR.' (lower left)
oil on canvas
234 x 158cm (92 1/8 x 62 3/16in).with later additions on left and top edge, overall size 253 x 173 cm. (99 ½ x 68 in.)
in an elaborate William Kent style carved and giltwood frame

PROVENANCE:
Donated by the sitter to the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers

Sir Robert Geffery (or Geffrey, died 1704), the distinguished London merchant is thought to have been the son of a Cornishman. He lived at Lime Street in the City of London, of which he was a councilman, 1660-62, deputy from 1663 to 1667 and from 1667 to 1676, sheriff in 1673-4, receiving a knighthood in 1673. He was a free of the Ironmongers' Company, of which he was elected warden in 1664 and master in 1667 and 1685. He was also listed among the original charter members of the Royal Africa Company in 1672 and was alderman of the Cordwainer ward from 1676-1687 and 1688-1704, by which time he had become, as senior alderman, master of the City. He held office of Lord Mayor in 1685-6. He was President of Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals from 1688-90 and 1693-1704.

He died a childless widower in 1704, leaving many bequests to friends and relatives, the Ironmongers' Company and to a number of other charities. The Ironmongers' bequest included funds to build a number of almshouses, which after having moved from their original site at Kingsland, Hackney, in 1810 became the site of what is now the Geffrye Museum.

The present portrait has come to sale because the Company has recently acquired a portrait of the same sitter by Sir Godfrey Kneller.