Theresa Parker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theresa Parker
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| Born |
Theresa Robinson
1 January 1745 |
| Died | 21 December 1775 (aged 30) |
| Nationality | Great Britain |
| Occupation | Patron of the arts |
| Known for | overseeing the design of Saltram House |
| Spouse(s) | John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Robinson, 1st Baron Grantham and Frances Worsley |
Theresa Parker (born Robinson; 1 January 1745 – 21 December 1775) was an English noblewoman. She was also a talented designer and a supporter of the arts. She bought many paintings by famous artists like Joshua Reynolds and Angelica Kauffman. Theresa Parker was also in charge of decorating Saltram House, making it a beautiful and important home during her time.
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A Young Life in Vienna
Theresa Parker was born on January 1, 1745. Her father was Thomas Robinson, 1st Baron Grantham, and her mother was Frances Worsley. Theresa was born in Vienna, a city in Austria. This was because her father was the British Ambassador there.
The powerful Empress Maria Theresa was her godmother. This is why Theresa was given her special name.
Creating a Beautiful Home
In 1769, Theresa married John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon. He had inherited his family's estate the year before. While her husband enjoyed other activities, Theresa had a great passion for art and design.
Saltram House: A Masterpiece
Theresa, along with her sister Alice and brothers Frederick and Thomas, loved decorating Saltram House. Her siblings gave her advice through letters. Theresa is known for making Saltram a "showpiece" in South West England. The six years until her death are called Saltram's "golden age."
Famous Artists and Designers
Theresa worked with many famous artists and designers. The house has ten portraits painted by Joshua Reynolds, who was a good friend of hers. Reynolds spent two years trying to finish a special picture of her.
In 1768, Robert Adam was hired to design the saloon and the library. The library is now the dining room. Adam designed everything, from the door handles to the huge plaster ceiling. Thomas Chippendale made the furniture, and Matthew Boulton created four candelabras. Theresa and her husband spent a lot of money, about £10,000, on the saloon alone.
Gardens and Art Collections
Theresa also directed the design of the gardens at Saltram. She had new buildings constructed, including an orangery that she designed herself. Her brother, Baron Grantham, designed a summerhouse called the Castle in 1771.
Theresa had a great eye for detail. Her brother admired her designs for an inkstand. She also bought beautiful black Wedgewood and other ceramics for the house. With help from Joshua Reynolds, she bought paintings by artists like Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg and George Stubbs. Angelica Kauffman and Antonio Zucchi painted the ceilings in her new rooms.
Family Life
Theresa and John Parker had two children together. Their son, John Parker, 1st Earl of Morley (1772–1840), later became Viscount Boringdon and the Earl of Morley. Their daughter, Theresa Parker (1775–1856), married George Villiers.
Later Life and Legacy
Sadly, Theresa Parker died on December 21, 1775, at the age of 30. She had become ill in September and passed away from complications. Her friend, the famous artist Joshua Reynolds, wrote her obituary. Theresa Parker left behind a legacy of beauty and design at Saltram House.
