Superstar Mrs. Abington and Eighteenth Century London Theater

Frances Abington (née Barton), one of the most popular actresses in eighteenth century London, began life as a poor young girl singing and selling flowers in Covent Garden. She later married and divorced a musician in King George’s court and had many lovers. As she made her way to the top of London society, she also inspired many of the artists of the day, including Sir Joshua Reynolds who painted "Mrs. Abington," a portrait of the actress playing the part of the young ingenue Miss Prue, one of her most popular theater roles. Despite gossip and scandal, she became one of London’s great celebrities and fashion icons.