[ 
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]Watford Museum presents...
The Cassiobury Collection
The Earls of Essex, their wives and children at Cassiobury House
The Earls of Essex, their wives and children
George Capel Coningsby, 5th Earl of Essex (1757-1839)
Studio of Sir Thomas Lawrence
Oil on canvas 74 x 63.2 cm (29 1/8 x 24 7/8 in)
George Capel Coningsby was a major patron of the arts, taking Cassiobury to its zenith during the first decade of the 19th century. Immediately upon his becoming 5th Earl, he employed the architect James Wyatt to redesign Cassiobury House, incorporating Hugh May's earlier structure. He also hired Humphrey Repton to further develop the grounds.