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Lawrence, Sir Thomas, 1769-1830 (Knight, portrait painter)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1769 - 1830

Biography

Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) was born in Bristol on 4 May 1769. He displayed an early talent for drawing, and helped to support his family from an early age through his work. He entered the schools of the Royal Academy in London in 1787, and became principal portrait-painter to the king in 1792. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1794, and became its president in 1820. He died on 7 January 1830, and was buried in St Paul's Cathedral. Lawrence had affairs with Maria Siddons and Miss Sarah Siddons, to both of whom he proposed marriage.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

 Fonds

Sarah Siddons and Sir Thomas Lawrence: Correspondence

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.6445
Scope and Contents

A series of letters dealing with the love-affair between Sir Thomas Lawrence and the daughters of Mrs Siddons, 67 folios. Most are addressed to Mrs (Penelope S.) Pennington, the remainder being her replies. The correspondents are T. Lawrence, Mrs Pennington, Mrs Siddons, and Miss S. Siddons.

Dates: 1798-1803
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).