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We’re expecting high visitor numbers on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August and the car park is very likely to get full, which means we can’t guarantee entry. Please car share if you can and consider visiting in the afternoon for a smoother visit. For more tips to help you get the most from your visit this summer read our full guide.

Portraits
and
Miniatures

Mirza Abu’l Hassan Khan (1776-1845) was sent to the court of King George III in 1809 by the Shah of Persia, to help negotiate a treaty of alliance between Great Britain and Persia (Iran).

He became a figure of fascination, and many parties were held in his honour. By this time Beechey was known as one of the foremost portrait painters of his day and painted two recorded portraits of this sitter. In his diplomatic diary Abu’l Hassan describes visiting Beechey’s house in Harley Street and his joy at meeting his children.

On arrival back in Persia in 1811, he was given the honorary title of Khan, in recognition of the role he had played in the treaty negotiations.