Evelyn Van Wart (1870-1910)
of Ditton Park, Berkshire, and 32 Curzon Street, London; died unmarried
She was one of the few successful “spinster” hostesses in London society, and indeed she was described as, "one of the most magnificent hostesses in London society". After her mother died in 1893 she enjoyed an annual income of $75,000, and contemporary reports suggested that the only she remained unmarried was so that she could retain sole control over her own finances. After she converted to Catholicism in 1905, it was further reported that, "when her grandmother, Mrs Ralph Vivian, dies (she) will be one of the heirs to the £8,000,000 left by Marshall Roberts on his death in 1880. If her uncle Lt. Marshall Roberts of the Grenadier Guards should die before her and leave no heirs she will inherit all of it. He married recently a daughter of Sir George H. Murray."
Evelyn lived between Ditton Park in Berkshire and her townhouse in London's Mayfair, 32 Curzon Street (see images). She was well-known for lavish and inventive entertaining. In 1909, it was reported that her, "musical reception in Curzon Street last week revealed an array of liveried servants and a general air of magnificence rare in these days. She also knows she may wear her diamonds". When she died in a car crash in Bordighera, Italy, her will provided for her cats and her horses. She had separated from her father (sculptor Ames Van Wart) after his second marriage that came soon after the death of her mother.
Evelyn lived between Ditton Park in Berkshire and her townhouse in London's Mayfair, 32 Curzon Street (see images). She was well-known for lavish and inventive entertaining. In 1909, it was reported that her, "musical reception in Curzon Street last week revealed an array of liveried servants and a general air of magnificence rare in these days. She also knows she may wear her diamonds". When she died in a car crash in Bordighera, Italy, her will provided for her cats and her horses. She had separated from her father (sculptor Ames Van Wart) after his second marriage that came soon after the death of her mother.
