Portrait of the 6th Duke of Devonshire who built a positive legacy in Ireland

William Spencer Cavendish sent architect William Atkinson to rebuild Lismore Castle and was instrumental in rebuilding Dungarvan in the early 19th century

Sir Thomas Lawrence's portrait of William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858).

This portrait of William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858) by Sir Thomas Lawrence failed to find a buyer at Sotheby's Old Master and 19th-century painting sale in London. It is of interest because the subject was one of the greatest patrons of the arts who left a positive mark on Ireland.

Shortly after inheriting the title at 21, he sent the architect William Atkinson to rebuild Lismore Castle in the familiar gothic style we know it today using cut stone from Derbyshire.