Bertha Merfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bertha E. Merfield
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| Born | 30 January 1869 West Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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| Died | 20 September 1921 (aged 52) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Slade School, National Gallery School |
| Known for | Painting |
Bertha Merfield (1869–1921) was an Australian artist. She was known for her paintings and for creating large wall artworks called murals. Bertha was also one of the people who helped start the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society.
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Who Was Bertha Merfield?
Bertha Merfield was born in West Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on January 30, 1869. Her parents were Thomas and Isabella Merfield. She grew up to become a talented painter and muralist. A muralist is an artist who paints large pictures directly onto walls.
Early Life and Education
Bertha loved art from a young age. She traveled to London, England, to study at a famous art school called the Slade School. After that, she continued her art education closer to home at the National Gallery of Victoria Art School in Australia. These schools helped her learn many different painting techniques.
Her Artistic Career
Bertha Merfield became a member of a special group in London called the Society of Mural Decorators and Painters in Tempera. This group focused on creating murals using a painting method called tempera. Tempera is a type of paint that uses egg yolk as a binder, which helps the colors stay bright and last a long time.
A Special Mural in Melbourne
One of Bertha's most famous artworks was a large mural she created for the Cafe Australia in Melbourne. This mural was completed in 1916 and was highly praised by the public. People loved her work, but sadly, the building where the mural was located was torn down in 1938. This means her beautiful mural no longer exists.
Founding a Painters' Group
Bertha Merfield was not just an artist; she was also a leader in the art community. She was one of the original members who helped create the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society. This group was formed to support artists and share their work in Melbourne. It became an important part of the Australian art scene.
Bertha Merfield passed away in Melbourne on September 20, 1921. She left behind a legacy as a pioneering Australian artist and a key figure in her country's art history.
