Bess Norriss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bess Norriss
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self-portrait of Norriss
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| Born | 17 May 1878 |
| Died | January 1939 London
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| Nationality | Australian |
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| Known for | Painting, drawing |
Elizabeth May Norriss, later known as Bess Norriss Tait, was a talented Australian artist. She was born in 1878 and passed away in 1939. Bess Norriss became well-known for her beautiful watercolour paintings and tiny miniature portraits. She lived and worked in both Australia and London, showing her art in important galleries.
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Early Life and Art Training
Bess Norriss was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1878. She loved art from a young age. She began her art studies at the Melbourne Art Gallery School. Later, in 1905, she moved to London to study at the famous Slade School of Fine Art.
Norriss became an expert in painting with watercolours. She also specialized in miniatures. These are very small, detailed paintings, often portraits. In 1907, her talent was recognized. She became a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters. She also joined the British Watercolour Society. Later, she became a member of the Society of Women Artists.
Family Life and Travel
In 1908, Bess Norriss married J. Nevin Tait. He was an Australian businessman. He worked as a partner and representative in the theatrical company J. & N. Tait. After they married, they traveled to South Africa in 1909. They later returned to Australia.
The National Portrait Gallery in London owns a self-portrait by Bess Norriss. She painted it around 1900-1910. A street in Canberra, Australia, is named after her. It is called Norriss Street and is in the suburb of Chisholm.
Life and Exhibitions in London
In 1911, Bess Norriss and her husband moved back to London. They lived in Church Street, Chelsea. Bess continued to create art and show her work. She exhibited her paintings at the Royal Academy of Arts. This is a very important art institution in London. She also showed her art at the Paris Salon. These exhibitions took place between 1908 and 1936. Her work was also displayed at the Grosvenor Gallery and the Goupil Gallery.
One of her special projects was for Queen Mary's Dolls' House. This tiny house was made between 1921 and 1924. Bess Norriss was asked to paint the miniature artworks for it. The Dolls' House is now on display at Windsor Castle.
In 1922, a bronze sculpture of Bess Norriss was made. It was created by the artist Francis Derwent Wood. This sculpture was bought by the Chantrey Bequest in 1926. It is now part of the collection at the Tate museum. In 1938, a large show of her artwork was held at Walker's Galleries. Bess Norriss passed away in London in January 1939.
Where to See Her Art
You can find Bess Norriss's artwork in several important collections. Her paintings are part of the collection at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia.
