'The Cottage Girl' by Thomas Gainsborough

The original oil on canvas 'The Cottage Girl' is one of Gainsborough's most celebrated pieces and can be viewed in the National Gallery of Ireland today, having been donated by Sir Alfred Beit and Lady Clementine in 1987.  A ragged child stands forlornly by a stream with a dog under her arm.  Set against an idealised rural landscape, this is one of a series of works reflecting Thomas Gainsborough's genuine response to the predicaments of children at the time, in a natural setting while not making a specific moral point.  The full oil on canvas shows the Cottage Girl holding a broken pitcher. 

Russborough House has been home to renowned art collections established by the 1st Earl of Milltown in the 18th century and Alfred Beit in the 19th. During the ten-year build of Russborough House in the late 18th century, Joseph Leeson, later 1st Earl of Milltown, undertook two Grand Tours to Italy. The purpose was to collect art and acquire sophistication and taste for his new residence. Throughout his life Sir Alfred Beit was also a keen collector of 18th and 19th century art as well as his inherited collection of old master paintings. These extraordinary collections of paintings were donated to the National Gallery of Ireland by Lady Geraldine Milltown in 1902 and by Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine in 1987 where they can all be viewed today.

Inspired by Russborough's world-famous art, our collection of cushions mean you can now add a touch of artistic elegance and conversation pieces to your own home. With eco-fibre filling and soft to the touch these cushions are sure to be a stylish addition to your home.