On seeing this photograph taken prior to Formal Hall at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, many people have asked, "Who is the lady in the portrait?"  

Her name is Charlotte Blanche Shaw.  She was born on November 13, 1864 and she died on June 7, 1897 at the age of 32.  (Although she had the same surname, she was not the wife of George Bernard Shaw, a rumour often heard around the College.)

The portrait was painted by Herbert Arnold Oliver, RBA, (1861-1952) and presented to Wolfson College by her grandson Christopher Shouldham Shaw, Fellow, 1965-2000.

The Times of June 8, 1897 has an obituary for SHAW. - On the 7th June, at 36 Bryanston-Square, aged 32, CHARLOTTE, wife of JOSEPH SHAW, Barrister-at-law, of 36, Bryanston-Square*, and Thornburgh, Leyburn.

(*Bryanston-Square is near Marble Arch, London.)

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2006
revised 2009/02/26