Artist Celebrates Colourful Duchess for Christmas at Blenheim Palace Collection

A new set of festive gifts celebrating the life of one of Blenheim Palace's most colourful inhabitants will launch at the UNESCO World Heritage Site with design created by internationally-renowned artist Lucy Loveheart.

The Norfolk-based painter was invited by Blenheim Palace to create a Christmas scene which honoured the memory of Consuelo, the 9th Duchess of Marlborough.

Titled 'The Palace Ball' the picture portrays Consuelo as the fairy godmother sprinkling gold dust over her guests as they dance the night away in the moonlight.

The painting uses a mixture of handmade re-cycled papers, watercolour, gold relief, acrylic and glitter.

Consuelo Vanderbilt was the highest profile of the American heiresses dubbed the 'Dollar Princesses' who were married off to members of European aristocracy.

She married the 9th Duke of Marlborough at a lavish ceremony in New York in 1895.

In marrying the Duke, Consuelo also became the cousin of Winston Churchill, who was born at Blenheim Palace and would remain a dear friend and confidant to her throughout her life.

Lucy trained for six years, first at Ipswich & Norwich schools of art and then at the Royal College of Art in London.

She draws inspiration from childhood memories, the world of make believe, magic, daydreams, enchanted worlds of fantasy and her love of nature and the wilderness.

Lucy's artwork has inspired the items in the new collection which include; a Christmas Bauble, an Advent Calendar, A3 hand finished mounted print, Crockery, Key-rings, Tea Towels and much more. Prices start from £2.00 and are available from the East Courtyard Shop.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 07815 709548 or 01637 873379

Notes to Editors

The Palace Ball full collection includes:

A3 hand finished mounted print

Mug

Breakfast plate

Egg cup

Porridge bowl

Cotton tote bag

Coaster

Spinning keyring

A3 Advent calendar

Flitter greeting

Jigsaw in cotton bag

Tea towel

Lens cloth

Magnet

Magnetic bookmark

Hanging decoration