Ken Russell’s ex loses battle of wills

Hetty Baynes, the former wife of film director Ken Russell (pictured), has lost a High Court battle over the estate of her mother’s lesbian lover. As reported by The First Post, Baynes, a struggling actress, had claimed she was entitled to a substantial share of the £2.3 million estate belonging to the late sculptress Mary Spencer Watson, with whom her mother lived.

Spencer Watson, an acclaimed artist, was in a relationship with Baynes’s mother, Margot, for 50 years until her death in 2006, aged 92. They lived at Dunshay Manor, Spencer Watson’s £2 million home in Purbeck, Dorset, where they raised the five Baynes children.

The court heard that Spencer Watson treated Baynes as a daughter and supported her financially. However, she left her only £2,500 in her will, while Dunshay Manor was bequeathed to the Landmark Trust, the buildings preservation charity. Baynes sought financial provision as a dependent of the estate, requesting a £570,000 house, £160,000 to discharge her debts, £7,500 for a car and a £25,000 to help with her career.

But the presiding judge, Justice Lewison, dismissed the claim, ruling that the debt-laden Baynes had exploited Spencer Watson’s generosity during her lifetime and was not entitled to a penny more. Baynes, 51, will not be pleased with the decision - not least because she now faces a legal bill for up to £267,000.