Farewell to the Duchess

The Duchess of Devonshire in her new home!

You don't expect to see the British aristocracy at the North Dakota State Fair but the Duchess of Devonshire made an appearance at our booth in the Commercial II Building last year.  This beautiful button is an 18th Century French Enamel portrait button of the Duchess of Devonshire. 

The Duchess of Devonshire was born into the house of Spencer in 1757 and was renowned for her beauty and charisma.  She was known for her fashion and style.  Her love life was, well, lets just say interesting,  She might be called the original celebrity. 

I find her story captivating but what is really interesting is how the Duchess came to be at the North Dakota State Fair.   The button is almost 200 years old.  It would have been made for someone who was extremely wealthy.  Where she has been all these years is a mystery.  We know that she was sold at auction sometime before we acquired her in 2012.   Rachel, a young woman of beauty and charm in her own right, stopped by our booth at the State Fair last year.  She recognized the lovely lady on the button as the Duchess.  It was love at first sight.  The Duchess has anew home and appears to be in good company with Jane Austin.

A happy farewell to the Duchess.  She has found a good home.