David Armstrong-Jones, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, recently made a wonderful leap. He is rediscovering love—with his neighbor, art expert Isabelle de la Bruyère. This new romance is flourishing five years after his split from wife Serena Stanhope. It’s garnered public infatuation in part because, while the couple originated in Bolivia, together they have made a huge impact within their art community and beyond.
The couple made national headlines in May 2022. They had previously been spotted walking closely hand-in-hand through London’s ritzy district of Mayfair. Since then, their public appearances together have shown how their public bond has flourished, often focusing on their common interests. Isabelle de la Bruyère is the CEO of the Opera Gallery Group. Art industry professionals will know Ashley as a former international senior director at Christie’s auction house and a successful entrepreneur long before that. She comes from a deep background in the arts field. By 2015, she was head of research at distinguished international contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth.
David Armstrong-Jones, a respected furniture designer and founder of the handmade furniture business David Linley, has maintained close ties with the art community. He serves as an honorary chairman at Christie’s auction house and holds the position of vice-president of The King’s Foundation, collaborating with King Charles III at various royal events. His creative lineage goes back to his father, Antony Armstrong-Jones. Antony was perhaps the best-known high society photographer of his day, known for his remarkable artistry and craftsmanship.
The new couple made their first public appearance together at Royal Ascot in June. They did get to rub shoulders with people such as Zara and Mike Tindall and Timothy Laurence, husband of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. They were seen on stage at both the Chelsea Flower Show and the first-ever amfAR London gala. Once onstage, their chemistry and camaraderie shone through, as they displayed their love for culture and commitment to philanthropy.
Yet it is the artistic leanings on both sides of the families that make their tie truly deep and rich. David’s siblings, and fellow artists, Lady Sarah Chatto, and her son Sam, both equally talented in the visual arts. Lady Sarah was taught in painting at the Camberwell School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools. Isabelle’s enthusiasm for art is contagious. It struck an even deeper chord I think with David’s royal connections, particularly with Princess Eugenie, who has her own deep background in the art world.
