FELIX THORNLEY COBBOLD CENTENARY

Novemeber 2009 - Update.

When Felix died in 1909 he had already given Christchurch Mansion to the people of Ipswich. In his will he left £20,000 for the purchase of works of art to be displayed in the mansion.

Colchester and Ipswich Museums rightly saw the centenary as a celebration of Felix's bequest and chose to mark it by an exhibition trail set up to show about 100 of the nearly 1000 works which have been purchased with the help of Felix’s bequest.

Felix (he never married so 'Uncle Felix' to many) was a man with a sense of purpose who dressed well and always did things correctly. Hence he was both admired and esteemed by his family and maybe held in some awe. It is not surprising that around 40 family members attended the opening ceremony at Christchurch Mansion on 16th October 2009 along with some 60 other admirers.

The Great Hall was packed, the Collier portrait of Felix was floodlit, the guests were welcomed by Peter Berridge manager of the museums and Felix’s life was extolled by Lord Cobbold. The opening ceremony was performed by The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor David Goldsmith who also proposed the toast to Felix. The Keeper of the Trust spoke last and for the record his words are shown below.

Speech - 16 October 2009

"1666 was a bad year for London what with the plague and the great fire. But it was rather a good year for the Cobbolds in Suffolk as Reynold celebrated his 102nd birthday. 3 generations later the brewery was founded and just 5 generations after that Felix Thornley was born. If Reynold were here tonight I think he would be well pleased with the staying power of his genes.

So, on your behalf, and with Reynold sitting as it were on my shoulder I want to thank PETER BERRIDGE for this fine exhibition trail and I wish to thank also his staff at all levels who have been so helpful and so patient. I have enjoyed working with them.

When I phoned him, LORD COBBOLD agreed to speak on the Family's behalf without a moment's hesitation. As Keeper of the Trust I thank him for being our Patron and for being here with us tonight, for his kind words and for his continuing support and encouragement.

We were unbelievably fortunate in winning, against all the other claims on his time, the presence tonight of THE MAYOR OF IPSWICH, Councillor David Goldsmith. You, Sir, have skilfully reminded us of Felix's many generous gifts to the community and on the wall above us, his fine portrait by the Honourable John Collier, is one of the community's gifts in his memory, for the portrait was purchased entirely by public subscription.

We know that it was unveiled towards the end of Felix's year as Mayor, that is 1897, the year of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee ; we know that it was unveiled in this Great Hall; we know it was unveiled in the evening and I have some evidence that the date was 16th. What I have not yet been able to establish is whether it was 16th of October or November. It is, however, just possible that this wonderful portrait was first subject to public view 112 years ago this very night.

The Mayor is President of The Ipswich Society of which the Trust is proud to be a member, and I am authorised by the society's Chairman to tell you that a Blue Plaque for Felix is under active consideration. Its location has not yet been settled and it cannot be on this building but should The Society decide to go ahead a Blue Plaque would be a most welcome and fitting permanent tribute. I know Reynold would be as proud as I shall be.

Mr Mayor, on behalf of us all, I thank you for your toast tonight and for the support and approval that your presence lends us.

Finally, we are launching today a small book entitled "To Suffolk with Love, the Life of Felix Thornley Cobbold". It is well written and exhaustively researched by Ros Thomas who used to work at Otley College which stands on land bequeathed by Felix, and she is here tonight and some signed copies of the book are available. I cannot resist the opportunity for a commercial. Please visit the Trust stand in the Wolsey Art Gallery where there are a number of items of Cobbold interest. Every purchase helps the Trust with its work and Reynold has just whispered in my ear that he hopes you will buy as much as you can carry!

Thank you so much for coming, particularly those of you who have come from Canada and New Zealand; thank you for your support and please travel home safely. Good night."