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Elizabeth Vesey

(1715?-1791), Blue-stocking and hostess

Mid-Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 1 portrait
The bluestocking hostess Elizabeth Vesey was known by her friends as 'Slyph', in allusion to her girlish figure and flirtatious wit. She was daughter of Sir Thomas Vesey, bishop of Ossory, and his wife, Mary. By 1746 she had married a wealthy cousin, Agmondesham Vesey of Lucan, a Member of the Irish Parliament. The Veseys split their time between England and Ireland, eventually living mostly in London and Elizabeth became famous for her intellectual salons.

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Elizabeth Vesey, by Unknown artist - NPG 3131

Elizabeth Vesey

by Unknown artist
black crayon with touches of sepia and grey wash, circa 1770
NPG 3131

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