The Limner Company

20/06/2026

Open from Monday 10-8pm in the beautifully air conditioned gallery at 6 Masons Yard, London until 3rd July . We have a gorgeous selection of portrait miniatures and small drawings for sale among Guy Peppiatt’s new exhibition of watercolours ‘Go to Nature for Everything’ - come and browse!
Setting up this wonderful pair of Thalers - hidden inside are a portrait of Charles II and a lady complete with mica costumes. All works now on the website - www.portraitminiature.com - link in bio or DM.

17/06/2026

On Friday 26th June we’ll be showing some of our portrait miniatures at Westminster Abbey as part of the second Studiolo. in collaboration with Ben Pentreath . Studiolo gives us an excuse to show portrait miniatures in a dynamic and dramatic display with art director ali brown …but it will also show how miniatures can be incorporated into the modern home…let’s just say we are drowning in metres of glorious seed pearls and looking forward to showing off these glorious silver filigree frames from the 17th century. For tickets and more information see our website - link in bio!

16/06/2026

13/06/2026

Little teaser ahead of opening our selling exhibition of the beautiful Frances Willock, who grew up at Tring Park, later occupied by the Rothschilds…she’s by John Smart and dated 1783 and will be for sale from Monday 22nd June or Friday 19th June for our newsletter subscribers. Who says your eyebrows have to match your powdered wig? Ceramic pot (with image from Nicholas Hilliard’s unknown woman by ).

12/06/2026

This week’s is inspired by a trip to see Savage House in the cinema this week. Richard E. Grant’s character, Sir Chauncey Savage, reminded me of a certain John Rawdon, 3rd Baronet, currently available on our website…

*ENGLISH SCHOOL (early 18th century), Portrait of a Gentleman, possibly John Rawdon 3rd Bt.; circa 1710, oil on copper, oval, 78mm (3in) high, £7,500*

The film is set in 1715, a few years after Rawdon’s portrait was likely painted, and the year in which Britain faced a smallpox outbreak and a Jacobite Uprising. Throughout, we watch the development of men’s hairstyles, and Chauncey’s wig gets taller and taller, far outgrowing that styled by Rawdon in this portrait. One scene shows Chauncey’s footman, Halifax (played by Jack Farthing) powdering his master’s wig, while Chauncey holds a powder pask in front of his face (see image 2) to avoid it getting in his mouth or eyes.

We also wanted to give an honourable mention to the cosmetic patches featured throughout the film. These could be used to cover scars from battle wounds or from syphilis, but were often worn as fashionable accessories by both men and women. In another scene, Chauncey sticks one of these on his heavily powdered face as the cherry on the top of his outfit, carefully prepared for the appearance of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

We love some historical accuracy in films! If you want to read more about the history of hair and wigs, read the blog ‘Perukes, Powder, and Plaits’ on our webiste. And to find out more about cosmetic patches, we recommended Jane Simpkiss’ blog ‘In focus: Two Women Wearing Cosmetic Patches’ on Compton Verney’s website.

Happy friday!

11/06/2026

The Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Irby (by John Smart, 1781) request the pleasure of everyone’s company at their art salon from Monday 22nd June from 10 o’clock Guy Peppiatt at 6 Mason’s Yard, Mayfair, London SW1Y 6BU. There will be much engaging conversation, and delightful watercolour art to buy to furnish the finest rooms. Will you favour us with your company on Monday next? It will be quite a gathering, but we should not consider it complete without your presence. We will take no denial. Yours sincerely, Classic Art London; The Limner Company and Mr Guy Peppiatt (Fine Art).

09/06/2026

Miniatures, miniatures everywhere today as we research the final pieces for our upcoming selling exhibitions and .projects which open on 22nd and 26th June respectively! We’ll have three Hilliards, some exquisite Cosways and Smarts plus some weird and wonderful to show you - from 17th century hand-fasting ceremonies to (nearly) n**e widows, we’ve got you covered…Details of events - plus a free talk by fashion and social historian (followed by a slap up afternoon tea) are all on our website www.portraitminiature.com - link in bio!

03/06/2026

Take a close look at the fine lace edging of this Lady’s gown, the luminous purple fabric on her dress, and the pearls delicately woven through her hair.

***NATHANIEL HONE R.A. (1718-1784), Portrait enamel of a Lady, 1767, enamel on copper. For Sale with The Limner Company, £1,950***

Nathaniel Hone’s skill working in enamel is showcased here, but he also worked in miniature on ivory, as well as in engravings and large-scale oil portraits.

This portrait enamel dates to a pivotal year in Nathaniel Hone’s career… In 1767, Hone’s portrait of Catherine Maria “Kitty” Fisher (1741-1767) – which he completed in 1765 – gained renewed significance upon her sudden, tragic death from smallpox, mere months after her marriage.[1] In the same year, Hone completed another large-scale oil on canvas portrait of English actor and playwright David Garrick (1717-1779).[2] This period of the artist’s career is marked by a shift towards these full-scale oil portraits, but he continued to exercise his talent in other media.

[1] Nathaniel Hone, Kitty Fisher, 1765, oil on canvas, National Portrait Gallery, London [NPG 2354].
[2] Previously with Philip Mould & Co.

22/05/2026

Could there be a more perfect pair of earrings for my special evening in Venice? Made by the Italian designer Faraone, the curved jewels are mounted with parallel lines of square cut emeralds, diamonds and rubies, echoing the Italian flag. Loaned by (can you hear the bells of Venice in the background?).