Laura Lyttelton

Laura Lyttelton (née Tennant, 1862 – 1886) was a British society figure known for her appearances in artworks by the Pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones. She was born as Octavia Laura Tennant in 1862, the sixth of eight children of Charles Tennant, an industrialist, and his wife Emma (née Winsloe). Her upbringing took place at the family estate, The Glen, located in Peeblesshire, Scotland.

During her childhood, Laura and her sisters were active hosts at their family's estate, engaging with numerous guests in social gatherings. Mary Gladstone described their social environment as lively and extensive, with discussions of literature continuing into the early hours. In 1881, her father acquired a London residence in Grosvenor Square, where Laura and her sister Margot continued to entertain visitors. Lady Frances Balfour commented on their social prowess, suggesting that her reputation for attracting proposal interests was notable among their acquaintances.

Laura exhibited a personality characterized by wit and a spirited nature, which left strong impressions on those she met. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, encountered her during a cruise and referred to her as "little witch." Adolphus G. C. Liddell, a lawyer and one of her suitors, described her as "indescribable," noting her youthful energy combined with the tact of an adult. Mary Gladstone likened her to a mischievous kitten, remarking on her quick wit and playful demeanor.

Painter Edward Burne-Jones created several sketches of Laura and is believed to have modeled her in some works, including the painting "The Golden Stairs." When working on "The Depths of the Sea" in 1886, Burne-Jones mentioned that the scene depicted a "previous existence" of Laura, indicating her influence or inspiration in his artworks.

Her romantic life culminated in her engagement to Alfred, Lord Lyttelton, whom she accepted during a New Year celebration at The Glen on 3 January 1885. The couple married in May of the same year. During her pregnancy, Laura grew increasingly convinced that she might not survive childbirth, and she drafted an informal will to be read after her death. She died on 24 April 1886, eight days postpartum, possibly afflicted with tuberculosis. The infant she birthed died in 1888.

Following her death, Burne-Jones created a memorial plaque in her honor. Her friends, notably her sister Margot, her husband Alfred Lyttelton, and his second wife Edith (née Balfour), formed a social and intellectual circle that came to be known as "the Gang" by 1887, later renamed "the Souls" in 1889. Members of this group included Margot Tennant, Alfred Lyttelton, and Edith Balfour.

In recent popular culture, Laura Lyttelton was portrayed by actress Kate Phillips in the 2020 Netflix mini-series "The English Game."