kids encyclopedia robot

Anne Nasmyth facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Anne Nasmyth
Anne Nasmyth as a child by Alexander Nasmyth (crop).jpg
Anne as a child by her father
Born
Anne Gibson Nasmyth

13 November 1798
Died 28 January 1874 (1874-01-29) (aged 75)
Other names Anne Bennett
Known for Painting
Spouse(s) William Bennett
Parent(s) Barbara and Alexander Nasmyth

Anne Bennett (born Anne Gibson Nasmyth; 13 November 1798 – 28 January 1874) was a talented teacher and painter. She came from the famous Nasmyth family of artists in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Even though she didn't show her art as often as some of her sisters, many people thought Anne was the "best painter in this talented family." After her parents passed away, her home in Putney, London, became a special gathering place for her whole family.

Anne Nasmyth's Life Story

Growing Up in an Artistic Family

Anne Nasmyth was born on November 13, 1798, in Princes Street, Edinburgh. Her parents were Alexander Nasmyth and Barbara Foulis. Her father, Alexander, was a very successful artist and engineer. He painted many pictures and even designed scenery for theaters in Edinburgh and London.

The Nasmyth family ran a painting school in Edinburgh. Later, they opened another school in London. Anne was one of eleven children, and her father taught all of them how to draw and paint. Alexander wanted his daughters to be able to work and be independent.

Two of Anne's brothers, Patrick Nasmyth and James Hall Nasmyth, also became painters. James was also a famous inventor and engineer. Anne and five of her sisters became well-known painters too!

The Nasmyth Painting School

The Nasmyth painting school in Edinburgh was managed by the six Nasmyth sisters. The oldest sister, Jane Nasmyth, led the way. The school was popular with young women who wanted to learn art. The sisters taught them how to paint and took them on fun sketching trips to beautiful places.

In 1829, Anne started helping with art classes in London. She taught at her sister Elizabeth's house in Portland Place. Elizabeth was married to an actor named Daniel Terry, who had recently passed away.

In 1831, Anne spent time with her brothers, James and George, in Manchester. They were just starting their careers as engineers there. This is where Anne met an engineer named William Bennett.

Anne's Art and Exhibitions

Anne didn't show her artwork as often as her sisters. However, she did exhibit her paintings at several important places. These included the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society of British Artists, and the Royal Scottish Academy.

River Landscape by Anne Gibson Nasmyth
A river landscape painted by Anne Nasmyth.

Her paintings often showed the beautiful Scottish countryside. She sometimes painted scenes with stormy weather. Anne also painted lovely pictures of flowers and gardens. She signed her works "A.Nasmyth" or "Anne Nasmyth."

In 1836, Anne shared a flat in Regent Street, London, with her sisters Jane and Charlotte Nasmyth.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1835, Anne's sister Elizabeth remarried Charles Richardson. Anne continued to teach at Elizabeth's house until 1838. That year, Anne married William Bennett at St Pancras church.

After their wedding, Anne and William went to Italy for their honeymoon. Then, they made their home in Salford, England. William Bennett was very helpful to Anne's brother, James. He lent James money to get a patent for his amazing invention, the steam hammer.

In 1840, Anne's father passed away. Her mother and unmarried sisters then moved out of their home.

In 1851, Anne and William moved to Putney, London. Their house on Charlwood Road became a lively meeting spot for the whole Nasmyth family. Anne's mother had died in 1847, and all of Anne's unmarried sisters moved to Putney. At one point, Elizabeth and her husband also moved nearby. This meant all the sisters were living close to each other again!

Death and Legacy

William Bennett, Anne's husband, died in 1866. He was buried in a cemetery in Putney. Later, four of Anne's sisters were also buried there. Anne herself passed away on January 28, 1874, and was buried in the same cemetery.

Some of Anne's beautiful paintings are now owned by the National Trust. You can find her artwork at places like Hartwell House and Anglesey House. Many people still believe that Anne was the "best painter in the Nasmyth family."

Images for kids

kids search engine
Anne Nasmyth Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.