Collection 1832 Miniature of William T. Smith by Hugh Bridport, 14k Frame & More

Painted by Hugh Bridport (b.1794) ///// Hugh Bridport and his brother, George, immigrated to Philadelphia from London in 1816 at the encouragement of the artist Thomas Sully. Settling in Philadelphia, the brothers founded a drawing academy and built successful careers as artists. Hugh Bridport was a founding member of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and taught drawing there for six years. He stopped painting miniatures around 1848.

William Taylor Smith (Sep. 22, 1804 - Dec. 14, 1837) of Philadelphia, PA was a prominent Lawyer, and elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1832-1833 term. This painting is in a 14k Gold Pendant Frame.

His fellow representative, John Sergeant (b. 1779) wrote in his obituary from 1837:

"The annexed proceedings of the Bar express the feeling with which the intelligence of the death of one of its most promising members has been received. They are a just tribute to the memory of one who had risen to high distinction among his contemporaries and who was rapidly earning the reputation which best repays the labors that every young professional man must undergo. Mr. Smith, at the time of his death, was in the thirty-third year of his age. Having represented this city in the Legislature of the State, and participated in other public duties, his high moral and intellectual qualities were extensively known and appreciated. As a public and professional man there were in all his views a force and vigor that commanded consideration and regard. The habit of his mind was singularly manly, and all its impulses to virtuous conduct were enforced by the decision and energy of character that distinguished him. In the familiar and social circle, he was sincerely beloved, and to that circle during the last year of his suffering existence was his influence chiefly confined. Death has arrested few lives of greater promise among us."

He was interred at the Episcopal Church of Saint James Kingsessing Churchyard, in Philadelphia, PA. This painting descended down the family line directly from Wm. T. Smith to his wife Mary Grant Smith, who passed it along to their son William Mifflin Smith (m. Mary Lash Smith), which was then passed down to Jessie Smith, then passed down to Luther Mifflin Ward, to his wife Mary Paul Fitzpatrick Ward, which was passed down to Randle William Batley, the current owner, and Antique Dealer of Mission Gallery Antiques.