Miniature of Lady Diana Spencer, 1750's

This finely painted miniature of a young lady wearing a pink and white gown, pearl necklace, pearl drop earrings and a fashionable hairband is believed to be of Lady Diana Spencer, the beautiful and artistic daughter of 3rd Duke of Marlborough.

Still unmarried at 22 years Lady Di, as she was known, seemed reluctant to settle down, but a chance meeting with Frederick St.John changed the course of her life.

'The couple met at that notorious party venue Vauxhall Gardens, where wealthy young aristocrats rubbed shoulders with the working girls of London. Frederick's companions were teasing him about his single status when apparently, he turned to Diana and jokingly asked, "will you have me?", to which she replied, "yes, to be sure".' Ladies of Lydiard by Frances Bevan, 2021

On reflection, what had seemed like a high spirited moment to be easily dismissed had upsides for both Diana and Frederick and their respective families. The wedding was swiftly arranged and took place on 8th September 1757 at Harbledon in Kent.

Lady Di's trousseau included gorgeous silks, brocades and lace from the continent. Her spending spree continued during the couple's honeymoon when she bought materials for a whole new wardrobe featuring quantities of silver pink brocade. At the time the colour pink, made fashionable in France, was all the rage - the perfect choice for a romantic looking gown.

Lady Di and Frederick set up home in no. 7 St. James' Square, one of the most fashionable streets in London, spending summer months at Lydiard Park. The small boudoir in Lydiard House which is believed to have been her private sitting room is dedicated to her artistic works; a hobby which became a means of earning money when her fortunes changed.

The miniature is set behind convex glass in a shagreen oval case and was in all probability a gift from Lady Di to her husband.