20 portraits of members of the Kit Cat club, Whig politicians and writers.
They were painted at the instigation of the publisher Jacob Tonson (club secretary). Engraved in mezzotint by John Faber, 1731-4, and published in 1735. Also a miniature self-portrait by the artist. Remainder of the collection are at the National Portrait Gallery.
Provenance
They were designed to fit a special clubroom at Tonson's house at Barn Elms. Inherited by his nephew; his daughter Mary who married William Baker of Bayfordbury