Portrait of Norah Lindsay (1873-1948), three-quarter-length, in a white dress and green sash

Norah Lindsay, née Bourke, was a celebrated garden designer, noted for the informality of her planting within formal structures, comparable to that of her friend, Vita Sackville West. This portrait dates to the time of her marriage to Sir Harry Lindsay, brother of Violet, Duchess of Rutland, artist, sculptress, and muse to the 'Souls'. Her gardening career took off from necessity after the collapse of her marriage in 1924. In addition to designing the gardens at her own house, Sutton Courtenay Manor, she frequently collaborated with Nancy Lancaster, doyenne of Colefax and Fowler, and chatelaine of Ditchley and Kelmarsh. Other significant commissions included the gardens at Blickling and Cliveden. She was a great friend of Lawrence Johnston, who created the garden at Hidcote, and Serre de la Madone at Menton. He left the latter to Lindsay’s daughter, Nancy.