Portrait of Irene and Helen, full-length, in white dresses

This charming work by Peacock, acclaimed for his portraits of children, was painted in 1912. It depicts Irene and Helen (aged 9 and 5 respectively), the daughters of Sir Henry Kimber Bart., by his first wife Sarah Florence Snewin, who passed away six months after Helen's birth. To keep the children entertained during sittings, a Punch and Judy Man was engaged to perform in the drawing room of their home, Hitcham Place, Taplow, Buckinghamshire where the portrait was painted. Their grandfather, Sir Henry Kimber Bart., M.P. was the first member for the new Constituency of Wandsworth, a seat he held for 28 years, becoming the 'Father of the House'.