John Jones after J. Roberts

Pair of Marlborough Theatricals

Plate 1
Hon. Richard Edgcumbe in the character of Young Clackitt
Lord William Russell in the character of Mr. Heartly
Lady Caroline Spencer in the character of Harriet

Plate 2
Lady Charlotte Spencer in the character of Miss Rivers
Lord Charles Spencer in the character of Colonel Rivers

17 x 21 inches

No C18th country house party was complete without some form of theatrical entertainment in which the hosts and selected guests performed upon a stage for the general entertainment of the household. The Marlborough family were no exception and here we see them enacting scenes from the Guardian and False Delicacy. The grandest houses in the land, including Blenheim Palace, the home of the Marlboroughs, would have had especially designated theatres, sophisticated scenery and elaborate costumes to ensure their performances were just that little bit better than everybody else's!