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ELLACoMBE presided, and there was a numerous attendance of 
members including Mr. H. D. Skrine, Rev. C. W. Shickle, Rev. 
P. Williams, General Bally, Col. Fanshawe, Major Davis, 
Major Evans, Mr. Holst, Mr. W. Handyside, Mr. F. Shum, 
Mr. E. G. Bradford, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Egbert Lewis, Mr. F. 
Inman, and others. 
After a few introductory remarks on the art of miniature 
painting in general, the lecturer went on to say that, as was to 
be expected, the rise of miniature painting in Bath was con- 
temporary with the commencement of the vogue of Bath asa 
fashionable resort, and the first quarter of the 18th century, 
which saw the growth of the city in the esteem of the beau monde, 
- saw also the earliest trace he could discover of a miniaturist 
working here. 1787 is the earliest absolute date, being that ofa 
drawing by Bernard Lens in the Royal Institution. He was 
succeeded by Thomas Warlidge, an artist who lived for many 
years in Bath, and married a girl of great beauty, who was the 
daughter of a toyman of the city. | Warlidge drew miniature 
portraits in pencil, and gained great reputation for them, and for 
his very beautiful etchings of portrait heads and gems. Before 
passing to consider the work of the artists, more than 30 in 
number, who painted miniatures in Bath, the lecturer spoke of 
the possibility of others of local birth having commenced their 
careers here, notably Miss Biffin, who was born at East Quantox- 
head without either hands, arms, or legs, but who, by great 
perseverance, succeeded in becoming an artist. The two Plimers, 
Andrew and Nathaniel, whose reputation stood deservedly high, 
and Miss Andras, who practised the sister art of modelling 
portraits in wax, about the end of last century. After alluding to 
_ the portrait of Joseph Plura, modelled by himself in this material 
_ which was exhibited, Mr. Bate spoke of the work of Lacon (who also 
kept a puppet show here), of Samuel Collins, and of his pupil, Ozias 
Humphrey, who lodged with the Linleys, and painted miniatures of 
_ great delicacy and charm. The miniatures of J. H. Barwell, who 
