The Hussey Bequest

As Vicar of St Matthew’s in Northampton (1937-55) he commissioned Henry Moore’s iconic Madonna and Child (1943-44) and Graham Sutherland’s powerful The Crucifixion (1946). As Dean of Chichester Cathedral from (1955-1977) he commissioned a tapestry by John Piper, a set of copes by Ceri Richards, an altarpiece by Sutherland, a stained glass window by Marc Chagall, and furnishings by Geoffrey Clarke.

Hussey’s private art collection grew from his interest in theatre as a student, when he began to purchase costume and stage designs. His tastes were wide and varied, encompassing works by Old Masters such as Albrecht Dürer and Thomas Gainsborough to contemporary paintings by Frank Auerbach, Graham Sutherland, John Piper and more. He also collected studio ceramics and historic furniture, thus amassing an important and diverse collection.

The generous offer of his collection to the Chichester District made upon his retirement fuelled the foundation of Pallant House Gallery since Hussey made the gift dependent on the restoration of the Queen Anne townhouse to display his artworks. Hussey believed that there was no incongruity in setting the art of different periods side by side as long as the quality is high, which remains one of our guiding principles.

Discover highlights from the Hussey Bequest below.