The lady in this portrait may be Anne Armstrong, Mrs Watson, the older sister of Lord Armstrong (1810–1900), who married William Henry Watson (1796–1860) in 1826. If this identification is correct, the portrait must have been painted around the mid-1820s, since Anne died young in 1828, aged just 26.

Oil painting on canvas, An Unknown Lady, possibly Anne Armstrong, Mrs William Henry Watson (1802-1828), manner of Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA (Bristol 1769 – London 1830), early 19th century. A three-quarter-length portrait of a lady, seated, with her head turned to the left, wearing a dark dress with white lace sleeves and a gold bracelet on each arm. A red curtain hangs behind her, to the right, and a landscape can be seen beyond to the left. The sitter may be Anne Armstrong, Mrs Watson, the older sister of Lord Armstrong (1810-1900), who married William Henry Watson (1796–1860) in 1826.

Provenance: Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 – 1987).

Marks and inscriptions: On a gilt tablet, suspended from the frame: ANNE ARMSTRONG / Mrs W. H. Watson / 1802–1828

Text from the National Trust website

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Cragside, Rothbury, Northumberland
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Unknown artist
Date: Unknown

Image Details
Date: 21 April 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/20s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a National Trust asset. This image cannot be licensed.