Ann Yearsley
(1756-1806), PoetSitter in 4 portraits
Yearsley, the milkmaid poet known as 'Lactilla', was discovered in Bristol by the writer Hannah More. With the help of Elizabeth Montagu, More organised the publication of Yearsley's Poems, on Several Occasions (1785). The success of the volume led to a dispute between More and Yearsley over profits. Yearsley published Poems, on Various Subjects in 1787 and A Poem on the Inhumanity of the Slave-Trade in 1788. She turned to drama with Earl Goodwin: an Historical Play (1789) and to novel writing with The Royal Captives: a Fragment of Secret History, Copied from an Old Manuscript (1795). Her final collection of poetry, The Rural Lyre, appeared in 1796.
by Joseph Grozer, after Sarah Shiells
mezzotint, published 1787
NPG D4452
by Wilson Lowry, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1787
NPG D8852
by Wilson Lowry, after Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1787
NPG D8853
by Henry Richard Cook, published by I.W.H. Payne, after Sarah Shiells
stipple engraving, published 28 February 1814
NPG D14829
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