FAME, FORTUNE & THE FAMILY MAN

Inside the unknown world of Thomas Gainsborough

For the 18th-century beau monde, there were few greater accolades than having a portrait painted by Thomas Gainsborough. Royalty, statesmen and aristocrats all clamoured to be his subjects, but little is known about the artist himself. A new exhibition offers an insight into Gainsborough’s personal life, featuring more than 50 works, including all surviving portraits of his beloved two daughters. ellen peirson-hagger ‘Gainsborough’s Family Album’ is at the National Portrait Gallery (www.npg. org.uk) from 22 November to 3 February.

right: thomas gainsborough’s ‘tristram and fox’. far right: ‘margaret and mary gainsborough’. below right: ‘the painter’s daughters chasing a butterfly’