Alice Boyd facts for kids
Alice Boyd (1825–1897) was a talented Scottish painter. She was part of the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. She also held an important title as the 14th Laird of Penkill Castle in Scotland.
Contents
Alice Boyd's Life and Art
Early Life and Family
Alice Boyd was born in 1825 in south Ayrshire, Scotland. Her family had lived at Penkill Castle since the early 1500s. Her father, Spencer Boyd, was the 12th Laird of Penkill. When Alice was just one year old, her father passed away. Her mother, Margaret Losh, later remarried.
In 1858, Alice's mother died. Alice then went to live for a while in Newcastle-on-Tyne with her grandfather, William Losh. He was a successful merchant with a business that made chemicals.
Becoming an Artist
While living with her grandfather, Alice met a famous artist and poet named William Bell Scott. He was a master at the Government School of Design. Alice became his student in 1859. This was the start of her journey as a painter.
Around this time, Alice moved back to Penkill Castle. She lived with her older brother, Spencer, who was the 13th Laird. They were very close throughout their lives.
Penkill Castle and Artistic Friends
In 1860, William Bell Scott visited Penkill Castle. Alice and Bell Scott became close friends and artistic partners. This friendship lasted until his death in 1890. Alice would spend winters with William and his wife in London. In the summers, they would come to Penkill Castle.
Many other famous Pre-Raphaelite artists also visited Penkill. They came to work on their art. These artists included Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Christina Rossetti, and Lawrence Alma-Tadema. In 1862, Dante Gabriel Rossetti even drew a portrait of Alice.
Alice's Art Style
William Bell Scott taught Alice how to paint. She worked in similar styles to him. She painted scenes from history and myths. She also created beautiful landscapes and portraits of people. Alice even drew pictures for some of Bell Scott's poems.
After Bell Scott died in 1890, Alice painted much less. She did not show her art in many public exhibitions during her lifetime. Most of her paintings are still owned by private collectors today.
Laird of Penkill Castle
In 1865, Alice's brother Spencer passed away without children. This meant Alice became the 14th Laird of Penkill. She inherited Penkill Castle. She is known for making the castle grounds bigger later in her life.
Alice Boyd's family papers are kept at Princeton University. These papers include a special history of her life at Penkill Castle, written by a relative.
