William Holman Hunt

English painter, William Holman Hunt (1827-1910) showed artistic promise and passion from a young age. Despite his father's objections to him pursuing a career in the arts, as well as his own financial struggles, Hunt’s unrelenting drive to become an artist enabled him to realise his ambitions, with him joining the Royal Academy Schools in 1844. During this time, he met his lifelong friend John Everett Millais, and together they helped formulate the foundations of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848. Hunt also introduced Dante Gabriel Rossetti to the Brotherhood during its founding, an alliance upon which he would later reflect on less favourably.

Characterised by meticulous attention to detail, vivid colour and a commitment to naturalistic representation, Hunt's work frequently explored religious subjects, symbolism and moral themes. Among his most celebrated paintings are The Scapegoat, produced following his travels to the Holy Land, where he studied the landscape, light and topography, and The Awakening Conscience, which examines themes of morality and redemption.

His personal life was, at times, tumultuous. With a failed engagement to the prolific Pre-Raphaelite model Annie Miller, due in part to her flirtation and possible relationship with Rossetti, he also endured the death of his first wife, Fanny Waugh, just over a month after the birth of their son, Cyril Benoni. He later married Fanny's younger sister, Edith, with their nuptials taking place in Switzerland, as marriage to a deceased wife's sister was then considered incestuous and therefore illegal in England. The marriage alienated them from their families, but they remained devoted to one another. Together they had two children, a daughter, Gladys, and a son, Hilary.

The Inventory of Gladys Holman Hunt

Art historian Judith Bronkhurst notes the existence of an undated, brown-covered notebook, written by Gladys and inscribed 'Jewellery Silver Catalogue of the Works of W. Holman-Hunt at 18 Melbury Road'. This provides an inventory, which records the contents of the residence where Hunt died in 1910 and where Edith continued to live until her death in 1931. Specifically mentioned in this inventory is an early 19th century blue paste and enamel necklace (Lot 75); a George III and later enamel brooch (Lot 76); and an early 20th century aquamarine necklace (Lot 78). The latter is noted as belonging to Elizabeth who is possibly Gladys’s adopted daughter. 

Also offered in the collection is an early 20th century aquamarine and garnet necklace (Lot 77); and an early 20th century aquamarine and diamond pendant and earrings (Lot 79).

A glimpse into the family's affection for jewellery is offered by Hilary's daughter, Diana Holman-Hunt, in her memoir My Grandmothers and I. Recalling Edith's recollections of her husband, she noted that she was known to say, 'Dear Holman simply showered me with gifts.' Diana also described a room at 18 Melbury Road, the Hunt family home, writing, 'The room was like Aladdin's cave with all the jewels about and the bag of gold under the bed.'

Together, these jewels offer a fascinating connection to the private world of William Holman Hunt and his family, providing a glimpse into the personal history of one of the leading figures of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

View page turning catalogue

Auction Details

Wednesday 18 November, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Tuesday 10 November: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 11 November: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury: Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
Saturday 14 November: 10am-3pm
Sunday 15 November: 10am-3pm
Monday 16 November: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 17 November: 10am-4pm

Further information
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | jewellery@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com