A LOST portrait which was once at Pentre Mawr Country House in Denbigh was recently discovered by Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, who has since raised funds to bring it to Abergele.

The portrait of Marianne Jones-Bateman (1799-1874), who helped shaped the Abergele of today, will hang at Gwrych Castle, and the trust wants to donate another copy to go into Pentre Mawr Country House.

Marianne married John Jones-Bateman (1784-1849), only son of Rowland Jones (1737-1812).

She was the daughter of William Burleton of Wyken Hall (Leicestershire) and Donhead Lodge.

John Jones-Bateman inherited Pentre Mawr from his father in 1812 and remodelled it about 1830.

Marianne rebuilt the house in about 1853 after a fire in 1850, and it is her house which is still seen today.

Mark Baker, chairperson of the trust, said: “She was a force of nature locally and her diaries, which are in the National Library of Wales, are a great source for learning about life in Abergele nearly 200 years ago.

“This portrait hung at Gwrych Castle from 1902 and disappeared from the records in 1928.

“We believe it dates to about 1825 and the time of Marianne's marriage.

“In the 1870s, the house was said to house 'many interesting works of art, including several family portraits by Richard Wilson, and one by Beechey of Barbara Lisle Bowles, the great-great-great niece of Sir Isaac Newton'.

“We believe Marianne's portrait is by an artist called Henry William Pickersgill RA (1782-1875), who was a noted painter, and his sitters were all the notables of the day.

“From our perspective, we are always purchasing back items of local interest for residents to enjoy.

“This painting is a remarkable survivor, given that Pentre Mawr burnt down in 1850 and then it disappeared for nearly 80 years until recently.

“It is great to have this portrait back in Abergele and it will be exciting to see a copy hanging on the wall once again at Pentre Mawr.”