Lady Amelia Sophia Theodora Hume, Countess of Farnborough, born in 1772, was an English noblewoman known for her patronage of the arts, rather than for being an artist herself. She was the daughter of Sir Abraham Hume, 2nd Baronet, and his wife, Amelia Egerton, daughter of the Bishop of Hereford.
Lady Amelia is often remembered for her involvement in high society and her marriage to Charles Long, 1st Baron Farnborough. Her husband, whom she married in 1806, was a British politician and art patron. Through her marriage, she became Lady Farnborough. Though not a creator of artworks, her position allowed her to play a significant role in the cultural landscape of her time, influencing tastes and fostering the arts through her patronage.
Lady Amelia lived during a period when the role of women in the arts was often that of muse, patron, or collector rather than as professional artists. This was due to societal norms that restricted women's access to formal art education and professional opportunities. Despite these limitations, women like Lady Amelia played a crucial role in the arts by supporting artists, commissioning works, and facilitating the growth of cultural institutions.
She passed away in 1837, leaving behind a legacy tied to the art world of the late Georgian and early Victorian periods. Her life's details outside of her role as a patron are less documented, but her impact on the arts through her position and influence remains a testament to the vital role of patrons in the history of art.