Thomas Linley was an English bass and musician active in Bath, Somerset. Born in Badminton, Gloucestershire, Linley began his musical career after he moved to Bath at age 11 and became apprentice to the organist Thomas Chilcot. After his marriage to Mary Johnson in 1752, Linley at first supported his wife and growing family predominantly as a music teacher. As his children grew and he developed their musical talent, he drew an increasing amount of income from their concerts while also managing the assembly rooms in Bath. When the new Bath Assembly Rooms opened in 1771, Linley became musical director and continued to promote his children's careers. He was eventually able to move to London with the thousands of pounds which he had amassed from their concerts.
Oil-on-canvas painting created around 1770 by Thomas Gainsborough (Dulwich Picture Gallery). Linley is holding his "Elegies for Three Voices".
Elizabeth and Mary Linley by Thomas Gainsborough, Dulwich Picture Gallery
Thomas Gainsborough: Elizabeth and Thomas Linley
Thomas Gainsborough: Samuel Linley
Elizabeth Ann Sheridan was an English singer who was known to have possessed great beauty. She was the subject of several paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, who was a family friend, Joshua Reynolds and Richard Samuel. An adept poet and writer, she became involved with the Blue Stockings Society and participated in Whig politics.
Mrs Richard Brinsley Sheridan, aged 31 (by Thomas Gainsborough, National Gallery of Art)
"The Linley Sisters", by Thomas Gainsborough (Dulwich Picture Gallery) – Elizabeth (left, standing, aged 17) with her sister Mary
Thomas Gainsborough's 1768 painting of Elizabeth with her brother Thomas; the original title prior to 1817 was A Beggar Boy and Girl.
Jerry Barrett's 1860 portrayal of Sheridan helping Elizabeth escape from her father's house.