F. W. Lowther, Esq.
(1841-1908)
11 June 1862
Volume 7, page 104, sitting number 8660.
[The sitter is identified as 'F. N. Lowther' in the Silvy daybooks in the archives of the National Portrait Gallery. He appears wearing naval uniform in a later volume (Volume 10, page 136, sitting number 12,912) in a portrait taken on 27 March 1863. In the later portrait the daybooks identify him as 'F. H. Lowther.' Both entries are wrong and should read 'F. W. Lowther.']
Francis William Cressotti was born in Italy on 21 February 1841, the natural son of William Lowther, later 2nd Earl of Lonsdale, and Italian opera singer Emilia Cresotti. He was baptised at the British Chaplaincy in Genoa on 24 February 1841. Francis was just one of several illegitimate children that the 2nd Earl sired with a succession of French and Italian opera singers and ballerinas during his early career as a diplomat.
From childhood Francis lived with his father at his town house on Carlton Terrace. On 9 February 1854 he entered the Royal Navy as a cadet, serving as a midshipman during the Second China War (1856-60) and attaining the rank of Lieutenant on 3 December 1861. He eventually reached the rank of Captain.
He became a British Subject in April 1865. His application was supported by his father, the 2nd Earl; his half-cousin, Henry Lonsdale, the MP for West Cumberland and later the 3rd Earl of Lonsdale; the Member of Parliament George Augustus Frederick Cavendish-Bentinck, who was married to his aunt; and the Honourable Henry William Stanhope.
On 29 April 1868 Francis William Lowther married renowned beauty Louise Beatrice de Fonblanque, third daughter of Albany de Fonblanque.
‘Yesterday morning was solemnised at St James’s Church, Piccadilly, a marriage between Lieutenant Francis William Lowther, R.N., and Miss Louise Beatrice de Fonblanque, daughter of Mr E. B. de Fonblanque, Deputy Comissary General. A select number of the friends of both families assembled at the church. […] The newly-wed couple and their friends on leaving the church went to partake of breakfast at the Earl of Lonsdale’s residence, on Carlton-house-terrace, where a sumptuous entertainment awaited them. […] The gallant bridgroom and his bride left town shortly after three o’clock for Dover, on their way to Paris, where they intend to spend some days, and then go to Thornton House, Isle of Wight, for several weeks. The bridal presents were numerous, and several of a very costly character, particularly those the gift of the Earl of Lonsdale’ (Morning Post, 30 April 1868).
The marriage produced three children: amateur actress Aimée Constance Anne Lowther (1869-1935); the Conservative politician Claude Lowther (1870-1929); and the tennis player May ‘Toupie’ Lowther (1874-1944).
The couple and their first two children appear on the 1871 census living at Pitts Cottage, Binstead, on the Isle of Wight. Also present on night of the census were Mrs Lowther’s sister Mary de Fonblanque and seven servants, including a butler. Francis Lowther gave ‘Commander R.N. and Landowner’ as his profession.
When his father died in 1872 he inherited £125,000.
In 1881 the family were living at 36 Hans Place, Knightsbridge. In 1891 they were living at 73 Pont Street, Chelsea. Francis gave as his profession ‘Captain late R.N., Engineer and Contractor for Public Works.’ The family were still at the same address in 1901, now with eleven servants, including a butler and two footmen.
The partnership of Punchard, McTaggart, Lowther & Co., who carried on business as Engineers and Contractors for Public Works, was dissolved in January 1900.
Francis suffered from ill health and heart disease in later life. He lost the use of his legs and from about 1891 onwards was confined to a wheelchair.
Francis William Lowther died on 30 March 1908 at his residence, 13 Upper-Brook Street, Grosvenor Square. He left an estate valued at £296,579.
‘Entering the Service he became Sub-Lieutenant March 2, 1860; Lieutenant June 13, 1861; and Commander April 8, 1869. Retiring April 9, 1872, he was advanced to the rank of Captain on the retired list April 8, 1884. Capt. Lowther, who had commuted his retired pay, is shown in the “Navy List” as having been in possession of a medal, but no particulars are available as to his services’ (Army and Navy Gazette, 4 April 1908).