Vicereines of Ireland

Book excerpt: For centuries, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or viceroy, was the representative of the British monarch in Ireland. For almost every viceroy who served at Dublin Castle there was also a vicereine; a wife who served with him. Once prominent in Irish life, the vicereines and their legacies are now almost entirely overlooked. This book sets out to recapture their lost stories by exploring the portraits and personal objects they left behind. Opulently dressed and elegantly posed, the women who gaze out from these paintings were often as dynamic, bold and influential as their husbands during their time at the apex of Irish society. They were activists, artists and aid workers; international campaigns to prevent famine in Ireland, the design of interiors, the popularisation of Irish fabrics at the royal courts of Europe and the development of hospitals were just some of their now overlooked achievements. Featuring critical essays by leading experts, analytical readings of key artworks and objects, and stunning colour portraits of the protagonists themselves, Vicereines of Ireland uncovers the considerable contributions these women behind the throne made to the social and cultural life o