Clara Billing facts for kids

Clara Ellen Billing (born 1881, died 1963) was a talented British artist. She was famous for creating beautiful paintings and sculptures.

Meet Clara Billing: Artist and Activist

Clara Billing was born in 1881 in Blackpool, England. She grew up there with her parents, Emily Clare and George Billing. Her father later became a respected surgeon in Manchester.

Clara loved art from a young age. She studied at the Manchester School of Art. After that, she continued her art education in London at the Royal College of Art. She even traveled to Paris to learn more about art.

Her Artistic Creations

Clara created many different types of art. She made small sculptures called medallions. She also sculpted detailed portrait heads of people. Clara created figures and groups of people, too. She used interesting materials like cement and concrete for her sculptures.

Besides sculpting, Clara was also a painter. She painted portraits of people. She also created beautiful landscapes and still-life pictures. Still-life paintings show objects like fruit, flowers, or everyday items.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Clara Billing was a very active artist. From 1913 to 1957, her artwork was shown regularly. She exhibited at the famous Royal Academy in London. This was a big achievement for any artist.

In the 1920s and 1930s, she showed many of her works. She displayed eighteen pieces with the Society of Women Artists. In 1925, she became an associate member of this important society. She also showed her art with other groups. These included the Women's International Art Club and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Clara Billing was not just an artist. She was also an activist! She was a member of the Artists' Suffrage League. This group supported the campaign for women's voting rights. They wanted women to have the same right to vote as men.

Clara used her artistic skills to help the cause. She created posters and cards. These artworks helped spread the message about women's suffrage. Her art played a part in this important social movement.

Later Life

Clara lived in London for many years. In 1925, she moved to Blewbury, a village near Didcot. In 1929, she married another sculptor named Sydney Langford Jones.

Clara also had a sister named May Billing (1883–1939). May was also an artist. She was active in the Society of Women Artists, just like Clara.

Clara Billing passed away in August 1963. She left behind a legacy of beautiful art and a history of fighting for what she believed in.