Lady Augusta Gregory, née Persse (Roxborough, Galway, 1852 – Coole Park 1932), had a remarkable life, mainly devoted to literary studies and writings on Irish theatre and folklore. In 1880 she assumed the title Lady Gregory upon marrying Sir William Gregory (1817-1892).

The former governor of Ceylon introduced her to his intellectual social circle among important figures such as Austen Henry (Paris, 1817 – London, 1894) and Enid (1843 – Venice, 1912) Layard. The two ladies engaged in a friendship that accompanied them throughout their widowhoods and kept them busy in preserving their husbands’ memories.

In 1896, during a Venetian sojourn at Enid’s palace, Lady Gregory sketched a few drawings not only of the city, but also of the interiors of Ca’ Capello Layard. These illustrations not only demonstrate Lady Gregory’s skill with pen and ink, but also provide interesting details on the Layard collection and its display. The talk will explore this album of Venetian drawings, while recounting the major episodes that hinge around its making.

ONLINE EVENT