Alison Debenham facts for kids

Alison Edith Debenham (born in 1903, died in 1967) was a talented British painter. She was also known as Alison Le Plat after she got married. Alison was famous for painting portraits of people.

About Alison Debenham

Alison Debenham was born in 1903. Her father was Sir Ernest Ridley Debenham. He was part of the family who owned the famous Debenhams department stores.

Early Life and Education

Alison went to a special school in Paris. It was called a "finishing school." After that, she studied art in London. She attended the Slade School of Art from 1923 to 1926. This is a very well-known art school.

Life in France and Marriage

In 1928, Alison moved back to Paris. The next year, in 1929, she went to live in the south of France. There, she learned from a French painter named Simon Bussy. She met many famous artists and writers in France. These included André Gide and Henri Matisse. In 1930, Alison married an artist named Rene Le Plat.

Her Art and Exhibitions

Alison Debenham mostly painted portraits. She often painted her friends and family members. She also created a series of portraits of the people who worked on her father's large estate.

Alison showed her art often. She had exhibitions in both London and Paris. Her very first solo art show was in Paris in 1932. It was held at the Galerie Vignon. In 1935, she had another solo show in London. This one was at the Zwemmer Gallery. For a while, she was connected to a group of artists called the Euston Road School.

Remembering Her Work

After Alison Debenham passed away in 1967, two special art shows were held to remember her. One was in 1968 at the Richmond Hill Gallery. Another big show was held in London in 1976 at the Belgrave Gallery. These shows helped people see and appreciate her beautiful paintings.