May be named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88), if not after the town in Lincolnshire. One of Thomas Gainsborough's works provides a link with Belfast, an outdoor portrait of Arthur [Chichester], 1st Marquess of Donegall, which is in the Ulster Museum's collection (catalogue no. BELUM.U35, painted c. 1780).
"that on the application of Mr Henry Crawford, a new street on this property situate off North Queen Street be named Ferris Street". (Improvement Committee, 17th January 1905).
"A deputation of owners of property with Mr Joseph Donnelly Solictor, attended and presented a memorial praying that the new street off North Queen Street named Ferris Street by resolution of the last meeting be given a more suitable name, and having suggested that the name Gainsborough Drive be substituted, it was. Resolved the resolution of last meeting be rescinded and that the Council be recommended to name the street Gainsborough Drive". (Improvement Committee, 24th January 1905).
Portrait of Arthur, 1st Marquess of Donegall in NMNI collection