a pair of pastel portraits of Sir William and Lady Wolseley, 6th baronet, half portrait in a red jacket, Lady Wolseley half portrait in a blue silk dress, holding a book in contemplative pose, both signed "J Russell pinxt 1778," 86 by 73cm, in gilt reeded frames 105 by 91cm, each with title plaques to frames. Notes: Sir William 6th Bt, was born in 1740, brought up in the wealth and style of Georgian period. Like his father before him, he was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King George 3rd. Educated, witty belonging to the Nameless club which met at Tom's Coffee House (membership included David Garrick, Lord Percy, Lord Clive, the Duke oof Northumberland, the Earl of Anglesey, Oliver Goldsmith and Dr Samuel Johnson). He was regarded by friends and family with affection and a likable fellow, however also a gambler and spend thrift, losing large portions of the Wolseley estate, valuable pieces of art and silver.... As late as 1814 he was still a regular visitor at Court and enjoying the London season, as he had all his life. William died on 5th August 1817 aged 77, collapsing in the shrubbery at Wolseley. Lady Charlotte Wolseley nee Chambers. Daughter and only child of Zachary Chambers (his brother Ephraim compiled the Chambers dictionary). A love match between her and William, within17 years, they produced 12 children. Lady Charlotte was due to having 'her tribe' as she called them, largely confined to Wolseley and domesticity. She was obsessively religious and at her happiest on the estate enjoying the countryside. Charlotte died two years after her husband and they are buried together at Colwich Church, Staffordshire. Condition: Frames have some wear commensurate with age and use, later ply backs, some spotting to Sir William but generally good. Category: Art/Paintings Estimate: 15000-25000 GBP