Bernice E. Edwell facts for kids

Bernice E. Edwell (1880–1962) was an Australian artist. She was famous for painting very small pictures, called miniatures. Bernice also helped start two important art groups: the Sydney Society of Women Painters and the Twenty Melbourne Painters.

About Bernice Edwell

Bernice Edwell was an important Australian painter. She was known for her detailed miniature artworks. She also played a big role in creating art groups for women.

Early Life and Training

Bernice Edwell was born on May 11, 1880. Her birthplace was Newbury, England. She later moved to Australia.

Bernice studied art at the Royal Art Society of New South Wales. There, she learned from a teacher named Frank P. Mahony. She also traveled to Paris, France. She studied art there for about 16 months.

Becoming a Miniaturist

Bernice became known as a miniaturist. This means she specialized in painting very small, detailed portraits or scenes. She first worked in Sydney, then moved to Melbourne.

In 1907, Bernice won first prize. This was for her miniatures at the Women's Work Exhibition in Melbourne. This award showed how talented she was.

Helping Women Artists

Bernice believed in supporting women artists. In 1910, she helped create the New South Wales Society of Women Painters. This group held its first exhibition that same year. It showed the work of 57 women artists.

From 1908 to 1912, Bernice also showed her art. She exhibited with The Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW. In 1919, she helped start another group. This was the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society.

Exhibitions and Later Life

Bernice had many solo art shows. These were held in Melbourne from 1915 to 1934. She also took part in group exhibitions. In 1923, she showed her work with A.M.E. Bale and Jo Sweatman. This exhibition was at the Melbourne Athenaeum.

Bernice Edwell passed away in 1962. She died in Sydney, Australia. Her work helped shape Australian art.