This charming early 19th-century British oil painting depicts ‘Grandma’ Ann Warren (1770-1861), the landlady of the New Inn, Melbourne, Derbyshire.
Born in 1770, Ann Warren witnessed a plethora of change during her 90-year life - the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the madness of King George III, Britain’s war with France, the Regency period, the battle of Trafalgar, the destruction of the Houses of Parliament by fire, and the ascent of a young Queen Victoria. For much of this, she did so from behind a bar as the landlady of the New Inn pub. Can you imagine the discussions?
Here, we see her wearing a dress with ‘gigot’ or ‘leg-o-mutton’ sleeves and a bonnet, as per the fashion of the 1830s. She’s in her 60s and appears rather snug. In 1793, she married James Warren, the landlord of the New Inn before his death in 1812. At the time of the portrait, she was probably living with her children Henry, an agricultural labourer, and Mary, who was possibly helping with service.
1770
Born in Melbourne, Derbyshire to Nathaniel and Mary Trafford. Baptised on the 16th of July.
1793
Married James Warren (1768-1812).
1841
Lived in Melbourne with her children.
1851
Lived in Melbourne with her son Henry (an agricultural labourer), daughter Mary (who was running the New Inn), granddaughter Jane (a house servant) and two servants.
1861
Lived in Stanton By Bridge, Derbyshire, with her two children.
Died on the 30th of October.
Stylistically, the portrait bears some resemblance to the work of Derbyshire artist, Joseph Thraves (1805-1851).
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 29½” x 35” / 75cm x 89cm
Year of creation: c. 1830
Labels & Inscriptions: An old inscription has been retained and laminated - to be included with the sale. “Mrs Ann Warren 60 years, Landlady at the New Inn Melbourne. Died October 30th 1861 aged 90."
Provenance: With the Warren family / By descent to grandchildren / Private collection, UK.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Canvas relined. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable.
Our reference: BRV1886
