Portrait of the Day: Aphra Behn



With Emma Fitzpatrick

Aphra Behn is probably one of the most obscure sitters in the collection, well respected in her own time but largely forgotten by history. A remarkable woman living in remarkable times, Behn took advantage of the greater freedom that the civil war and later restoration offered women. A staunch monarchist, Behn spied for Charles II during the interregnum. When espionage became too unreliable Behn turned to playwriting to make a living. She became the first female playwright in England to achieve sustained success and popularity

Programme subject to change