Location: National Portrait Gallery, London, Great Britain
Date: 1799
Medium: Pastel
Dimension: 24.5 x 18.25 inches
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Elizabeth Bannister or Miss Harper (1757–1849) came from a notable family – her uncles were Francis Rundell, a successful actor and Philip Rundell who was a financially successful goldsmith. Her mother, however, had been disowned, although it is said she was an entertainer.
In 1777, at 20, Bannister made her debut as Marylebone Gardens. She made her name as a singer and guitarist, also performing at the Haymarket Theatre (quickly becoming their principal soloist) and George Colman Senior’s Little Theatre. At 22, she made her theatrical debut, appearing in the iconic The Beggar’s Opera (see below) as ‘Polly’ and The Flitch of Bacon as Eliza. She enjoyed a high salary of £12 a week and contracts worth upwards of £1000, as well as a genteel reputation (something hard to achieve for actresses at the time).
She married the actor John Bannister (also painted by Russell) in January 1783. They had four daughters and she retired from acting in 1792 but continued to tour with her husband.
This pastel was completed seven years after Elizabeth retirement from the stage in 1792 this pastel portrait shows Bannister singing with a guitar. It can be seen as a nostalgic celebration of her musical fame and talents. Russell’s characteristic use of pastel gives this portrait a soft, intimate character.
She died a widow on 15 January 1849 at her home in St Giles in Middlesex and was buried with her husband.
