Gainsborough’s Girls

The play is set in London in 1774 when Gainsborough moved his family to the capital to make a living by painting society portraits. At this he is successful although his finances are precarious and he would rather be painting the landscapes of his native Suffolk. Gainsborough had two daughters, Margaret and Mary, who giddily entered society when the family moved from Bath to Pall Mall in 1774. The play follows their progress, as well as introducing the colourful characters of James Christie (founder of the auction house) and Emma, Lady Hamilton, before she married.