Joseph Banks by Benjamin West (1738–1820)

This stunning portrait by Benjamin West shows Joseph Banks following his return from one of the most famous voyages of all time, to the South Seas aboard the Endeavour with James Cook (1768-1771). Banks is shown surrounded by items brought back from the voyage, including Maori weapons and a Tahitian chief’s headdress.

Banks’ family estates were in Revesby, Lincolnshire, but his legacy is an international one.

The painting came up for sale in 1988 and to prevent it from being exported Lincolnshire County Council raised the funds, with many generous donations, to purchase it for the Usher Gallery.