Charlotte (née Hugonin), Lady Murchison
(1788-1869), Geologist; wife of Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, 1st BtSitter in 1 portrait
Shortly after marrying Roderick Muchison in 1815, the couple set off to Rome and France where they met scientific scholar Mary Somerville and their interest in geology was fostered. Somerville would later recall that 'it was chiefly owing to her example that her husband turned his mind to those pursuits in which he afterwards obtained such distinction'. In 1825 during field trips to the South coast of England, Lady Murchison collected and drew fossils. These sketches contributed significantly to her husband's The Silurian System, published in 1839. The following year, Charlotte's inheritance allowed the couple to move to Belgrave Square in London, where she hosted the leading politicians and scientists of the day.
Charlotte (née Hugonin), Lady Murchison
by Camille Silvy
albumen print, 1860
NPG Ax50535
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