Sarah Lethieullier, Lady Fetherstonhaugh (1722-1788), as Diana by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (1708 – 1787)

This portrait of Sarah Lethieullier portrayed as the mythological figure Diana is one of a pair commissioned by her husband Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh. Its complimentary painting is a portrait of himself dressed as a hunter.

Romeo and Juliet: The Tomb Scene by Joseph Wright of Derby (1734 – 1797)

Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797), a landscape and portrait painter of international renown was born and died in Derby.  He has been called the first painter to truly capture the spirit of the Industrial Revolution.

Night: Rocky Inlet with Fisherfolk setting their Nets, cooking and drinking by Claude-Joseph Vernet (1714-1789)

Many art collectors in the eighteenth century preferred to purchase paintings which were in pairs or sets so that they could be hung sympathetically to the layout of furniture in their houses.

Mother and Child by James John Hill (1811-1882)

Mothering Sunday was once the day on which people would visit their “mother” church, but has now become an occasion for honouring the mothers of children.

In The Tepidarium by Lawrence Alma-Tadema (1836-1912)

This small painting is easily missed amongst the much larger paintings on the walls of the Lady Lever Gallery. Yet despite its small stature it perfectly exemplifies the draughtsmanship and attention to detail of its creator Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

Alma-Tadema was Dutch born but settled in Britain where he quickly became known for producing historical scenes. He initially focussed on medieval subjects but after a visit to Pompeii in his mid-thirties turned to the ancient world of Greece and Rome.

Friar Puck – by Henry Fuseli (1741-1825)

The month of June is the time of midsummer centred upon the summer solstice, which this year falls on Saturday 21^st June.

In the Middle Ages the evening before midsummer was celebrated much as we now celebrate the New Year: bonfires were lit, feasts devoured and much merrymaking occurred. Midsummer is still celebrated each year in Chester in one of the UK ’s oldest and most colourful festivals.