Margaret Bradshaw, Mrs George Farington (d. 1771)

attributed to Edward Penny, RA (Knutsford 1714 – Chiswick 1791). Oil painting on canvas, Margaret Bradshaw, Mrs George Farington (d. 1771), attributed to Edward Penny, RA (Knutsford 1714 – Chiswick 1791), dated 1742 in the inscription, which is partly covered by the frame and reads 'Margt the Daugh. & Sole heiress of John Bradshaw Esqr. of Pennington, Wife of Geog. Farington Esqr d1742', and inscribed on the back 1748. A painted oval half-length portrait of a woman, facing, head slightly inclined to the left gazing at the spectator, dressed in black with ermine collar and black head-dress. The artist studied with Hudson and then in Italy, returning in 1743 and making a name for himself in London by 1748. The sitter was a daughter and heiress of John Bradshaw of Pennington, and widow of George Farington of Worden (d. 1742). She may have been the mistress of Sir Thomas Hesketh, 1st Bt. (1727-1778); see the pair to this portrait, of Sir Thomas, inv. no. 783193. Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire (Accredited Museum)