Emma Hamilton – In Pose and Legacy

Lecture

This Lecture accompanies our upcoming exhibit focused on historic figure Lady Emma Hamilton – a renowned 18th-century figure known for her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most celebrated women of her time. She gained fame as the muse of artists, a skilled performer of “attitudes” (a form of expressive posing), and later as the wife of British diplomat Sir William Hamilton. However, she is best remembered for her passionate and highly publicised love affair with Admiral Horatio Nelson, Britain’s naval hero. Emma’s life was marked by glamour, scandal, and ultimately tragedy, leaving behind a legacy as a symbol of beauty, resilience, and the complexities of fame.

In this Lecture, Mary Arthur, Emma’s fourth great granddaughter, will explore the dramatic rise and decline of Emma Hamilton, uncovering the forces behind both her triumphs and tragedies. It will highlight her remarkable talents, charm, and the legendary love affair with Admiral Horatio Nelson that shook society. Her enduring legacy will be examined alongside a personal look into family connections and shared heritage, offering a unique and intimate perspective on a life that defied convention.

This talk accompanies our new exhibition case display, focused on Lady Emma Hamilton’s connections with St Marylebone Church. This includes her marriage ceremony to William Hamilton and the baptism of her and Lord Nelsons daughter Horatia Nelson, both of which took place at the Church.

Speaker

Mary Anna Kathleen Horatia Arthur is a retired homeopath and teacher, and Great Great Great Great Grand daughter of Emma Hamilton and Horatio Nelson.

£5

Thursday 26th June

6:30-7:30pm in the Crypt

(with time after for questions and discussion)