Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Then home to Lord Townshend, the house is said to have been the inspiration for Netherfield, the home of Mr Bingley, in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice.
The house takes its name from its original owner back in 1297, Simon de Ball. Passing through several hands and having been re-built in 1637, the house and estate was inherited in 1759 by society hostess Etheldreda Townshend and remained in her family until 1901. A large quantity of artworks from the Wallace Collection were secretly transported to Balls Park in 1940 to keep them safe from the blitz. The house, still looking much as it did when this drawing was taken, has since been developed into residential apartments.
The drawing was probably made during a weekend house party. Augusta, the artist, was married to Henry Granville FitzAlan-Howard, later the 14th Duke of Norfolk. It is set in a period dark wood frame with a gilt slip and has a label on the reverse dating it to 1850.
Framed Size: 215 x 263mm
Provenance: The Artist's Scrapbook
Wigs on the Green has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Small portraiture of character & historical interest
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Wigs on the Green Profile Page
Drawing of Jane Austen's Netherfield / Balls Park
