The painting of Vita as Portia is by Clare (Tony) Atwood, who lived with Edy Craig and Christopher St. John at Priest House next door to Smallhythe Place. The trio did not meet Vita until the 1930s so this painting is retrospective and probably based on an earlier photo of Vita as Portia.
The costume comprises of robe, dress and sash and is made from a combination of materials of differing weights. From the heavy deep red ribbed silk of the centre bodice panel and upstanding collar and skirt, to the long dark rust red silk crepe of the robe, and the floor length crimson ribbed silk long sleeved dress, the Portia robes are both elegant and unique. Its extending train, stiffened round collar and hand-stitched fastenings add such exquisite detail to the dress. This is a hand crafted masterpiece of an irreplaceable nature.
The robes are on display in the Lyceum room, and can be viewed during normal opening hours at Smallhythe Place.