The paintings, by some of the most celebrated names in European art, are now on view at Auckland Palace’s Bishop Trevor Rooms until November.

Clare Baron, head of exhibitions at The Auckland Project, said: “These familiar favourites are extraordinary works by some of the finest artists, and it’s a privilege to display them in Bishop Auckland.

“Set within Bishop Trevor’s former private apartments, the paintings offer an intimate encounter with art and history.”(Image: Supplied)

Among the highlights is The Grosvenor Hunt by George Stubbs, alongside three late Bath-period works by Thomas Gainsborough: Wooded Landscape with a Milkmaid, Rustic Lovers and a Herdsman.

A landscape by Claude Lorrain, regarded as a master of the genre, is also featured.

Also on display is a newly revealed portrait of an unknown man, attributed to Stubbs during his early years in York.

This is the first time the painting has been shown in public.

The artworks are on loan from a private collection and are displayed in the historic setting of the Bishop Trevor Rooms, located within what was once the private suite of Richard Trevor, Prince Bishop of Durham from 1752 to 1771.

Ms Baron said: “The display is part of a wider, vibrant summer programme at The Auckland Project, as we welcome world-renowned masterpieces back to Auckland Palace.

“With the Deer Park and gardens at their best, the works of art echo the natural beauty of the season and invite visitors to see the landscape, and our heritage, with fresh eyes.”

This is the third time the collection has been lent to The Auckland Project.

The Bishop Trevor Rooms, designed by architect John Carr of York, include the bishop’s bedroom, dressing room and study, and first opened to the public in 2019.

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Trevor was a noted art collector and most famously acquired Zurbarán’s Jacob and His Twelve Sons, which still hang in Auckland Palace’s Long Dining Room.

The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity dedicated to transforming Bishop Auckland into a major cultural destination through art, heritage and community engagement.

The artwork display will remain open until early November, when the gallery will close to prepare for its Christmas programme.