Portrait of Mrs Playford, bust-length, in a white dress and black fichu; and Portrait of Mr Playford, bust-length, in a brown coat and white stock

The present pastels are fine examples of the portraits executed by Hamilton early in his career when he was best known in fashionable circles for his small oval portraits. At the time he worked in London and his portraits commanded the not inconsiderable sum of 9 guineas for each drawing. It was in 1778 that he left England for Italy. For further information on Hamilton see lot 106.

Mr and Mrs Playford may be descendants of John Playford (1623-1686?) and Henry Playford (1657-1706?), the celebrated musical publishers who monopolised the market in London in the late 17th century. Samuel Pepys was a frequent customer of John Playford and after his death Henry Playford took over the family firm. On his death, Henry left a legacy to the composer Henry Purcell.