Oil on canvas of Frances & Sarah Delaval by William Bell in Seaton Deleval Hall, Northumberland.
One of a set of 6 painted for John Hussey Deleval (1728-1808) that hung in the central hall by Bell. Painted in 1775.
Frances (b. 1759), afterwards Mrs Fenton, and Sarah (b. 1763), afterwards Countess of Tyrconnell and heiress to Ford Castle, Northumberland. 5th and 6th daughters of John, Lord Delaval.
William Bell (1734/5 – 1794) was an English painter who specialised in portraits. A prize-winning student at the Royal Academy of Arts, influenced by Sir Joshua Reynolds, he achieved eminence in his native area, the North East of England. His best-known works are portraits of Sir John (later Lord) Delaval and his family, which are in the collection of the National Trust at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland. Bell’s portrait of Robert Harrison, 1715–1802, is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.
