American born, of Irish extraction, Hazel Lavery was a celebrated society hostess renowned for her beauty. The Laverys’ home in Cromwell Place, London, was famous for its luncheons and dinner parties where painters and writers rubbed shoulders with judges and cabinet ministers.
Hazel developed a passionate interest in Irish politics, and was rumoured to have had an affair with the Sinn Fein MP Michael Collins. Her position in society enabled her to act as an unofficial go-between to the opposing factions over the issue of Home Rule. She may have helped Collins accept the Anglo Irish Treaty of 1921, which ultimately led to his assassination by hard-line Republicans in 1922.
After his death, a description of this portrait, together with a picture of Hazel and a lock of her hair, were reportedly found on his body.
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