Stuart's pendant images of William and Catherine Barker describe two individuals intricately allied in their aesthetic pursuits. Lady Catherine is seated in the midst of architectural features designed by her husband that had yet to be built for the improvement of the estate: through the bowed-front picture windows are a gothic boathouse and a man-made pond. She works a delicate chain stitch on thick silk on her tambour frame according to a design of carnations or pinks, creating an adornment for the home of her husband's dreams.