If you're as engrossed in the Guinness dynasty as we are after watching House of Guinness on Netflix, then chances are you want to know more about the real life characters.
Founded in the 18th century by Arthur Guinness, it was his son Benjamin Guinness who turned the Irish stout into a global brand and Benjamin's four children who determined its legacy.
And what a legacy it is. Guinness is now Britain's favourite beer and has become a cultural status symbol in pubs up and down the UK (even if most of us were slow to catch on). So, naturally, Netflix wanted to cash in on the brand's appeal and has turned its origin story into an eight-part drama. If there's one character who caught our attention immediately it's Lady Olivia Hedges – here's everything you need to know about her.
Who is Lady Olivia Hedges?
Olivia Charlotte Guinness née Hedges-White, Baroness Ardilaun, best known as Lady Ardilaun, was the wife of Arthur Guinness. After the British monarch, she was the richest woman in Britain and Ireland of her time.
Lady Olivia married Arthur in 1871 in County Cork and they had no children. They were known for hosting lavish parties.
What was Lady Olivia Hedges' job?
Lady Olivia enjoyed painting and was a member of the Water Colour Society of Ireland. She often painted Ashford Castle, the family's main home, and the views from their suburban sprawl in Dublin.
Arthur and Olivia rebuilt the Dublin house into a grand mansion where they hosted the then-Prince later King George V and Queen Victoria. Olivia was also known for her impressive gardens.
Lady Olivia also worked with the Mercer Charity Hospital as their benefactor and regularly visited patients. She also became a patron of the arts.
When Arthur died, and following the upheaval of the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, Lady Olivia retired to St Anne's. Their house fell into disrepair and she later moved to Dublin where she died aged 75.
Who plays Lady Olivia Hedges in House of Guinness?
Lady Olivia Hedges is played by Danielle Galligan in House of Guinness. You might recognise her from Shadow and Bone or Lakelands.
What is House of Guinness about?
The eight-part series by Steven Knight centres on the family behind the Guinness brewing company in 19th century Ireland and New York, and the consequences following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery, and the fate of his four adult children, Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben.
Where can I watch House of Guinness?
The entire series is now available to stream on Netflix. If you want to find out more about how the modern day Guinness' feel about the series, read Grazia's recent interview with Daphne Guinness, who calls the name 'a blessing and a curse'.