A SELF portrait of one of the country's most famous artists, Thomas Gainsborough, has been unveiled at Christchurch Mansion.

A SELF portrait of one of the country's most famous artists, Thomas Gainsborough, has been unveiled at Christchurch Mansion.

The piece by the famous 18th century painter has been loaned to The Wolsey Art Gallery from the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The piece, titled Thomas Gainsborough, is oil on canvas dating from 1758 to 1759 when the Sudbury-born artist was living and working in Ipswich.

Ipswich Museum service spokeswoman Marie Taylor said the new exhibit, which has never been on display in the town, was a great addition to the collection at Christchurch mansion.

“It is a very exciting thing to have and the fact it is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery is very prestigious.

“We are the right recipient for the piece and they know we will look after it properly. It is a great opportunity for the people of Suffolk and Ipswich to have access to another part of Gainsborough's work.

“It is nice that the regions are starting to give access to these collections we are very privileged to have the portrait here until September.”