Lady Derby at home with some of the paintings which will be seen at the Exhibition of Stanley showing the Derby Women at Knowsley Hall Open Week 300
THE Countess of Derby views the Joshua Reynolds portrait of her predecessor, the 12th Lady Derby with great interest.
“She was an Essex girl like myself, but also an heiress,” said the 19th and current Lady Derby.
“I wasn’t an heiress, but I’ve told my husband I’ve brought brains into the family. As our three children are all brainy he is forced to agree with me!”
Lady Derby has curated a special exhibition of 20 portraits of the Derby and Stanley women as part of Knowsley Hall’s annual open week, from August 16.
This is the only chance for the public to see one of northern England’s greatest stately homes, as it is now used as a convention centre and for private functions.
“The paintings come from our private apartments, so are not on public view,” she said.
Besides the Reynolds portrait, they include works by English masters such as Thomas Lawrence and George Romney.
