Lot 3: James Ferguson (Scottish, 1710-1776) Margaret 'Peg' Woffington (c.1720-1760), wearing dress with ribbon bows to the bodice, lace slip, double stranded pearl choker, lace bonnet

Margaret 'Peg' Woffington (c.1720-1760), wearing dress with ribbon bows to the bodice, lace slip, double stranded pearl choker, lace bonnet.
Plumbago, gilt-metal frame.
Oval, 73mm (2 7/8in) high
Provenance: Christie's, London, 12 May 1993, lot 90
Bloomsbury, New York, 6 May 2009, lot 61

Peg Woffington was born in Dublin and began a very early career as a street singer before making her stage debut at ten years of age as Polly Peachum in the 'Beggars' Opera'. She played Ophelia in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' in 1737, quickly making a name for herself as an actress across Dublin until 1740, when her success as Sir Harry Wildair in 'The Constant Couple' led to her London debut in Covent Garden. There she met and fell in love with the actor, David Garrick (1717–1779).

Woffington performed at Drury Lane for several years and later returned to Dublin, appearing in a number of plays. Her most well-received performances were in comic roles, portraying elegant women of fashion such as, Lady Betty Modish and Lady Townley, as well as 'breeches roles'.

She lived openly with Garrick, the foremost actor of his day. Her other love affairs (including liaisons with Edward Bligh, 2nd Earl of Darnley and the MP, Charles Hanbury Williams) were numerous and notorious. She became friend and mentor to the socialite and actress sisters, Elizabeth and Maria Gunning, and also shared the stage with the likes of Charles Macklin, Kitty Clive, and the tragedienne Susannah Maria 'Cibber' Arne. Woffington also educated her sister Mary (usually known as Polly) and pensioned their mother. For a miniature of her niece, Lady Hester Bellingham see lot 38.

Woffington left Garrick in 1744 and moved to Teddington. On the 3rd May 1757, she was playing the part of Rosalind in 'As You Like It' when she collapsed on stage. Her illness prevented her from acting for the rest of her life but she used the time to build and endow some almshouses in Teddington. She is buried there at St. Mary's Church.