Coutts Lindsay facts for kids
Sir Coutts Lindsay (born February 2, 1824 – died May 7, 1913) was a British artist who painted and used watercolours. He was also known for creating an important art gallery.
About Sir Coutts Lindsay
His Life and Art
Coutts Lindsay was the oldest son of Sir James Lindsay, a military general. His mother, Anne, came from the family that owned Coutt's Bank. His younger brother was Robert Loyd-Lindsay, 1st Baron Wantage. In 1839, Coutts inherited a special title from his grandfather.
He joined the army and fought in the Crimean War. After his military service, he decided to focus on art. From 1862 to 1874, he showed many of his paintings. He was especially good at painting portraits. In 1879, he and his first wife, Lady Lindsay, both became members of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours. His art studio was also used by another painter, Archibald Stuart-Wortley.
The Grosvenor Gallery
In 1877, Sir Coutts Lindsay and his first wife started the Grosvenor Gallery. This gallery was a new place for artists to show their work. It was different from the traditional Royal Academy. The Grosvenor Gallery became famous for showing art by the Pre-Raphaelites. These artists had a unique style that was considered very modern at the time. The gallery also became a key place for the Aesthetic Movement. This movement focused on art for art's sake, valuing beauty above all else.
The very first show at the Grosvenor Gallery in 1877 featured a painting by James Whistler. This painting, called Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket, led to a famous disagreement between Whistler and art critic John Ruskin. Coutts Lindsay was very important to his friends Whistler and George Frederic Watts. He gave them a supportive place to display their artwork. However, the gallery faced problems after Lindsay and his first wife separated. It eventually closed in 1890.
His first wife, Lady Lindsay, lived in London and Venice for 30 years after their separation. She became friends with famous people like Alma Tadema, GF Watts, and Robert Browning. She also collected many beautiful paintings. Some of these paintings she later gave to the National Gallery. Lady Lindsay was also a writer. She published several books of poetry, including From a Venetian Balcony (1903) and Poems of Love and Death (1907).
Family Life
In 1864, Coutts Lindsay married Caroline Blanche Elizabeth Fitzroy. She was an artist, writer, and poet. Her portrait can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery, London. His daughter, Harriet, had a grandson named Bobby Henrey, who became a child actor.
Sir Coutts Lindsay's first marriage ended after he founded the Grosvenor Gallery. Lady Lindsay took control of the gallery. They lived separately until her death in 1912. In 1912, Lindsay married for a second time to Kate Harriet Burfield. He is buried at St Andrew's Church, Ham.
His Writings
Coutts Lindsay also wrote plays:
- Alfred
- Edward the Black Prince
- Boadicea: A Tragedy, 1857
