History - Family Portraits
Frances, Viscountess Irwin (nee Frances Gibson Shepheard) (1734-1807) by Benjamin Wilson (1721-1788), 80 X 47 (203 X 119.5)
Frances was the natural daughter and heiress of Samuel Shepheard. Her potential fortune of £60,000 made her a
considerable catch on the marriage market and so in 1758, after lengthy negotiations between their respective
lawyers, she married Charles, future ninth Viscount Irwin, son of Col the Hon Charles Ingram. They came to live
at Temple Newsam where they began extensive modernisations to the house and park.
This charming rococo portrait depicts her as a shepherdess (perhaps a pun on her maiden name) and is by the
Leeds-born artist Benjamin Wilson. It was almost certainly conceived as a companion to the portrait of her
husband, also by Wilson.
Earl of Halifax
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