Lot 110: WALTER STEPHENS LETHBRIDGE 1771-1831

THE PROPERTY OF A LADY

A GROUP OF PORTRAIT MINIATURES OF THE CAMPION FAMILY

A GROUP OF PORTRAIT MINIATURES OF THE CAMPION FAMILY

measurements note
each 9.5 by 7 cm., 3 3/4 by 2 3/4 in.

including portraits of George Bryant Campion (1796 - 1870), Martha Campion, Mary Ann Campion and another

four, three signed or inscribed on the reverse of frames and also inscribed with sitters names, two dated on the reverse of frames: 1810, each oval, gilt-metal mounts, rectangular wooden frames

with a watercolour portrait of John Campion, full length, wearing the uniform, regimental cross-belt plate and skako of the Hadleigh Royal Volunteers, signed l.r.: W S L, inscribed with title and dated verso: about 1810

Quantity: 5

PROVENANCE

by descent from George Bryant Campion to his great, great granddaughter who is the present owner

NOTE

Walter Stephens Lethbridge was born at Charlton, Devon in 1771. He was the son of a farmer, but began training as a painter whilst assisting a travelling artist. He later came to London and studied at the Royal Academy schools, exhibiting his works between 1801 and 1829. He retired to Stonehouse, Plymouth in 1830 and is thought to have died there the following year.

John Campion married Patsy Bryant in Harwich in 1795. Their son George Bryant Campion was fifteen when Lethbridge painted the portrait miniature included in the present lot. In later life Campion became a prolific and accomplished watercolour artist, teaching at the Royal Military Academy between 1842 and 1870.

The sitter in the fourth miniature included in this lot bears a close resemblance to George Bryant Campion's father, John, as depicted in the full length watercolour portrait, also included in this lot