The Brummell Children

Kenwood House Volunteer, Michael Rabin, gives an online talk on The Brummell Children, depicted in two paintings in the great art collection at Kenwood House, London.
Joshua Reynolds painted the two Brummell brothers, and their sister, Maria was painted by Thomas Gainsborough (or possibly by his nephew, Gainsborough Dupont).
Michael Rabin tells the story of the Brummell siblings, and particularly the riches to rags story of George ‘Buck’ Brummell (1778 - 1840), later known as ‘Beau’ Brummell, the most famous influencer of men’s fashion in the 18th Century, with a legacy and renown which last to this day. He was best friends with the future George IV of England in his early life, and yet he died penniless in an asylum in northern France.
Introduction and fade-out music: String octet in E-flat major, composed in 1825 by Brummell's near contemporary, Felix Mendelssohn (1809 -1847), when he was 16 years old.
Produced by Friends of Kenwood
www.friendsofkenwood.org.uk