Identity:

George Charles Spencer-Churchill was 8th Duke of Marlborough. He married firstly Lady Albertha Frances Anne Hamilton and secondly, Lillian Warren Hammersley, née Price.

Life:

JW negotiated with the Duke through the dealer D. C. Thomson in April 1892 to paint his portrait and that of his wife. He made a preparatory study (r. and v.: Study for a proposed portrait of the Duke Marlborough (M.1337)) but unfortunately the Duke died in November 1892 before the commission could be completed. See #04021, #05723, #05758, #08342, #08319.

Bibliography:

Burke, E., The Peerage and Baronetage of Great Britain and Ireland, London; Debrett's Illustrated Peerage, 1896.