Jane Ebbrell, a Spider Brusher, 1793 (oil on canvas)

Of the many fascinating and vibrant servants' portraits hung at Erddig, this image of Mrs Jane Ebrell, described as 'Spider Catcher, aged 87' perhaps typifies them all. Ebrell may be portrayed (literally) 'warts and all', but that she is portrayed at all is a demonstration of the esteem in which she was held by the Yorke family, owners of Erddig. For generations after this image, Erddig's servants were memorialised with their own painting (then later photograph), typically situated by their lodgings or workspace, or holding a tool of their trade. The contemporary Yorke would then accompany the image with a short poem about the servant. Ebrell is seen here in front of her lodgings, with broom and mop at her side and holding her poem, which can be read, within the painting.