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National Trust Ightham Mote to open exhibition with John Singer Sargent painting, Young Lady in White

A portrait painted at Ightham Mote more than 100 years ago is set to return as part of a new exhibition.

The portrait of the Young Lady in White will be on temporary loan from the Fine Arts Centre in Colorado Springs to the 700-year-old National Trust property.

It was painted by John Singer Sargent and is of Elsie Palmer, the 17-year-old daughter of General Jackson Palmer, a famous American railroad engineer and founder of Colorado Springs, and his wife “Queen” Palmer.

Young Lady in White by John Singer Sargent was painted at Ightham Mote Picture: National Trust
Young Lady in White by John Singer Sargent was painted at Ightham Mote Picture: National Trust

It was painted while the family were renting Ightham Mote in the late 19th century, in the Mote’s tower corridor against the backdrop of the distinctive linenfold panelling, which is still on the walls today.

It will be part of an exhibition, running from Saturday, March 4 to Saturday, December 23, The Queen of Ightham Mote – An American Interlude: Queen Palmer, John Singer Sargent and their Circle, which explores “Queen” Palmer’s stay with her daughters between 1887 and 1890.

She welcomed some of the most highly regarded figures of the day, including John Singer Sargent, actress Ellen Terry and author Henry James.

"Queen" and Elsie Palmer at Ightham Mote Picture: National Trust
"Queen" and Elsie Palmer at Ightham Mote Picture: National Trust

Bernadette Gillow, general manager at Ightham Mote, said: “We are so thrilled to be welcoming the Young Lady in White back to Ightham Mote after all this time. We delight in creating new experiences that move and inspire our visitors, and hope the return of Elsie’s portrait will provide a chance for them to create a new connection with the Mote’s diverse history.”

Ightham Mote is open from 10am to 5pm from Saturday, March 4, and 11am to 3.30pm from Monday, October 30.

For details call 01732 810378 or go to nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote

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