Vita Sackville-West

Sitterback to top

• Victoria Mary ('Vita') Sackville-West (1892-1962), Writer and gardener; wife of Sir Harold Nicolson. Sitter in 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir William Rothenstein (1872-1945), Artist and teacher of art. Artist associated with 219 portraits, Sitter in 24 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Acquired many years after it was drawn and given to Vita Sackville-West's husband, Harold Nicolson, by their sons, Ben and Nigel, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Harold is recorded as describing it with characteristic bluntness: 'Vita was a beautiful woman and this is an ugly one'.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Life lines: Recently acquired 20th Century drawings (31 October 2009 - 25 April 2010)
• Portraits on paper (29 July 2006 - 3 December 2006)