Beatrice Whistler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beatrice Whistler
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c. 1887
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| Born | 12 May 1857 Chelsea, London, England
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| Died | 10 May 1896 (aged 38) Hampstead Heath, London, England
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| Other names | Beatrix Trixie |
| Occupation | Artist and artist’s model |
| Spouse(s) | Edward William Godwin (1876–1885) James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1888–1896) |
| Parent(s) | John Birnie Philip and Frances Black |
Beatrice Whistler (born May 12, 1857 – died May 10, 1896) was a talented artist and model from London, England. She was also known as Beatrix or Trixie. Beatrice was the oldest of ten children born to sculptor John Birnie Philip and Frances Black. She learned art in her father's studio and from architect-designer Edward William Godwin. On January 4, 1876, she married Edward Godwin. After he passed away, Beatrice married the famous artist James McNeill Whistler on August 11, 1888.
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Beatrice's Family Life
Beatrice and Edward Godwin had a son named Edward (1876–1951). He grew up to be a sculptor, just like Beatrice's father. He even created the bronze angels for the Whistlers' tomb.
Beatrice had several sisters and brothers. Her sister Ethel Whibley worked as a secretary for James Whistler before she married the writer Charles Whibley. After Beatrice died in 1896, her younger sister Rosalind Birnie Philip became Whistler's secretary. Rosalind was also named in Whistler's will to handle his affairs after he passed away.
The family had fun nicknames for each other. Whistler called Beatrice 'Trixie' or 'Wam'. He called Ethel 'Bunnie' and Charles 'Wobbles'. Rosalind was known as the 'Major'. Whistler often signed his family letters as the 'General' or with his special butterfly signature.
Marriage to James McNeill Whistler
Before Beatrice, James Whistler's main model was Maud Franklin. She had been his partner for many years. Whistler often painted Maud in his artworks.
Whistler became good friends with Edward Godwin, which led him to meet Beatrice. He called her "Trixie." Whistler even painted a full-length picture of her called Harmony in Red: Lamplight. In 1885, Beatrice separated from her husband, Edward Godwin. He passed away in 1886.
By the summer of 1888, Whistler and Beatrice were often seen together. Their friends, including artist Louise Jopling and politician Henry Labouchère, encouraged them to get married quickly.
The wedding was planned in secret. Henry Labouchère helped arrange for the Chaplain of the House of Commons to marry them. They wanted to avoid any trouble from Maud Franklin. The wedding happened on August 11, 1888. A reporter from the Pall Mall Gazette attended, so the news came out later. After the wedding, the couple quickly left for Paris to avoid any problems with Maud.
Life Together in London and Paris
After they married, Beatrice and Whistler lived in Tower House in London. In 1889, they moved to another home in Chelsea, London. Whistler had an art show in London that didn't get a great reaction. So, he decided they should move.
In 1892, they moved to Paris, France. They lived at n° 110 Rue du Bac, Paris. Whistler had his art studio at the top of 86 Rue Notre Dame des Champs in Montparnasse.
Whistler was at the peak of his art career when Beatrice became very ill with cancer. They returned to London in February 1896 to find medical help. Whistler drew two portraits of her, The Siesta and By the Balcony, while she was sick.
Beatrice passed away on May 10, 1896, at St. Jude's Cottage in Hampstead Heath. She was buried on her birthday, May 12, in Chiswick Old Cemetery. Years later, Whistler was buried in the same tomb next to his wife.
Beatrice's Artworks
Beatrice signed her art with a special symbol or the letters 'BP', then 'BG'. She also used the name 'Rix Birnie' when she showed her work. This was to avoid being judged just because she was a female artist.
Only a few of her artworks are still known today:
- Oil paintings: The Novel and The Muslin Gown are owned by private collectors.
- Ethel Philip Reading a Newspaper is at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.
- Peach Blossom is at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
- Her designs for jewelry are also at the National Gallery of Art and the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery.
Portraits of Beatrice
Many artists painted or drew Beatrice.
- Paintings:
- Harmony in Red: Lamplight (GLAHA 46315) is a full-length portrait by Whistler.
- Drawings:
- The Siesta (C.159) and By the Balcony (C.160) are drawings by Whistler.
Louise Jopling (1843–1933), who was a poet and portrait painter, also painted a portrait of Beatrice.
