Portrait of Topham Beauclerk (1739-1780) by George Perfect Harding, 19th Century

Few images exist of Topham Beauclerk, 2nd husband of Lady Diana Spencer (2nd Viscountess Bolingbroke) and for whom Diana underwent a much publicised divorce.

Topham, a friend of Dr Johnson and a leading light in London's fashionable intelligentsia, sadly proved to be an unsatisfactory husband for Diana. Ill-health, an increasingly bad temper and his addiction to laudanum blighted their marriage. His death in 1780 left her in straightened circumstances and led to her becoming a professional artist in order to supplement her income.

This watercolour and graphite drawing, owned by The British Museum, is by George Perfect Harding, a copy from an original portrait.

At Lydiard House you can see a painting of Lady Diana by George Perfect Harding in the blue boudoir which is dedicated to her artistic works.