Hugh Douglas Hamilton

by family descent to the present owner

Portrait of Sir Watkins Williams Wynn Bt: The pastel has remained in fresh condition. There is no evidence that the medium has been rubbed. There are six very small holes in the sheet, only one of these is located within the position of the sitter. There is a tiny area of pigment loss, located at the extreme top edge of the sheet. The sheet has not been laid down and overall the condition is good. Portrait of Lady Charlotte Williams Wynn The pastel remains very fresh. Around the edges of the sheet, there is evidence of some minor rubbing, where the frame has come into contact with the medium. There are two small water-stains at the bottom edge of the sheet. Although these are noticeable, they do not disrupt from the main image. Overall the work has been well preserved.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sir Watkin Williams Wynn Bt. spent 17 years as Member of Parliament for Denbighshire. However, it is as a prolific patron of the arts that he is best remembered. In 1768 he embarked, with Thomas Apperley and Captain Edward Hamilton, on an extensive grand tour to Italy. While there he patronised artists such as Pompeo Batoni, Gavin Hamilton and Anton Raphael Mengs. After he had returned from the Continent he continued to take an active role within the art world. In 1771 he toured North Wales with Paul Sandby and later he commissioned Robert and James Adam to re-design his London house at 20 St. James' Square. In 1777 he was elected to the Society of Dilettanti, and sat with his fellow members to Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Charlotte Williams Wynn, neé Grenville was Sir Watkin's second wife, whom he married in December 1771. She was the daughter of the former Prime Minister George Grenville and a niece of William Pitt, 1^st Earl of Chatham. They had six children.