Explore: Priscilla Anne (née Wellesley-Pole), Countess of Westmorland Fane

(1793 - 1879)

Priscilla Anne Fane, Countess of Westmorland was considered the favourite niece of the Duke of Wellington. In 1811 she married John Fane, Lord Burghersh, appointed minister in Florence in 1814. They spent 16 years in Italy, before returning to London in 1830. It is not known who taught Priscilla to paint, but her portraits, religious and figure subjects suggest serious aspirations as an artist. She exhibited at the Society of British Artists and British Institution. In 1841 Burghersh was appointed minister at Berlin and inherited the title Lord Westmorland. The Westmorlands remained in Berlin for nine years, before a transfer to Vienna in 1851. Four years later they retired to Apethorpe, Northamptonshire. Priscilla died in London, aged 85.