Sarah Siddons and Sir Thomas Lawrence: Correspondence

Sarah Siddons (1755-1831) was born in Brecon on 5 July 1755, the daughter of Roger Kemble, actor and manager. She acted at a young age in the company of William Siddons, whom she married in 1773, and she went on to enjoy a successful career on the stage. She died in London on 8 June 1831.

Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) was born in Bristol on 4 May 1769. He displayed an early talent for drawing, and helped to support his family from an early age through his work. He entered the schools of the Royal Academy in London in 1787, and became principal portrait-painter to the king in 1792. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1794, and became its president in 1820. He died on 7 January 1830, and was buried in St Paul's Cathedral. Lawrence had affairs with Maria Siddons and Miss Sarah Siddons, to both of whom he proposed marriage.

A series of letters dealing with the love-affair between Sir Thomas Lawrence and the daughters of Mrs Siddons, 67 folios. Most are addressed to Mrs (Penelope S.) Pennington, the remainder being her replies. The correspondents are T. Lawrence, Mrs Pennington, Mrs Siddons, and Miss S. Siddons.

Presented by C. Fairfax Murray in 1916. Formerly in the possession of Oswald G. Knapp.

Please cite as Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, Sarah Siddons and Sir Thomas Lawrence: Correspondence, MS Add.6445

The contents of Add. 6445 were edited and published in 1904 as 'An Artist's Love Story told in the letters of Sir Thomas Lawrence, Mrs Siddons and her daughters', by the then owner Oswald G. Knapp. See also 'Thomas Lawrence: Regency Power & Brilliance' (National Portrait Gallery, catalogue, 2010).

Microfilm available