De Courcy Lewthwaite Dewar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
De Courcy Lewthwaite Dewar
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| Born | 12 February 1878 Kandy, Sri Lanka
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| Died | 24 November 1959 |
| Education | Glasgow School of Art |
| Known for | Decorative Metalwork |
| Style | Glasgow Style |
De Courcy Lewthwaite Dewar (born February 12, 1878 – died November 24, 1959) was a talented artist. She was known for creating amazing designs in metal. She was also part of a famous group of artists called the Glasgow Girls in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Contents
Early Life and Family
De Courcy Lewthwaite Dewar was born on February 12, 1878, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. At that time, Sri Lanka was known as British Ceylon. Her father, John Lewthwaite Dewar, was a tea planter. Her mother was Amelia Cochrane.
De Courcy was a special family name. But her family also called her Kooroovi. This means 'small bird' in the Tamil language. Her sister, Margaret Cochrane Dewar, also studied in Glasgow. Margaret became one of the first women in Glasgow to graduate as a doctor in 1894.
Her Artistic Career
De Courcy studied art at the Glasgow School of Art. She learned about enamel and metalwork from 1891 until 1908 or 1909. Her metalwork teacher was Peter Wylie Davidson. Many of her designs were shown in The Studio magazine.
De Courcy taught at the Glasgow School of Art for 38 years. She was chosen by Fra Newbery to teach enamels. She worked with other famous artists like Ann Macbeth and Jessie M. King. She even started a special award, the Dewar Prize. This prize was for the best enamel work at the Glasgow School of Art's yearly show.
From 1900 to 1926, she had her own art studio in Glasgow. After 1926, she continued her work from a studio in her home.
Exhibitions and Publications
Some of De Courcy's metalwork designs were used in a book. It was called Applied Design in Precious Metals. Her friend and colleague, Peter Wylie Davidson, wrote the book.
Her beautiful enamel art was also shown in Italy. It was part of the Scottish section of a big art show. This show was called the Prima Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Decorativa Moderna. It took place in Turin in 1902.
Fighting for Women's Rights
De Courcy Dewar was also involved in the women's suffrage movement. This movement worked to get women the right to vote.
In 1908, she designed a banner for the Women's Freedom League. It was bright red and said "Save the Bill." In 1911, she designed another banner. This one was for the Glasgow and West of Scotland Association for Women's Suffrage. It was used in London for the coronation of King George V. This banner said 'Let Glasgow Flourish'. You can now see it at the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.
There is even old film footage of De Courcy. It shows her at the opening of Harkness House. This house helped women who had nowhere to go. The Prince of Wales visited it in the 1930s. This film might be the only video of Glasgow suffragettes.
Later Life and Legacy
De Courcy wrote a book called History of the Glasgow Society of Lady Artists' Club. It was published in 1950. She was the President of this society from 1934 to 1937. In 1936, she won the Lauder prize. Today, this society is known as the Glasgow Society of Women Artists.
De Courcy lived with her sister, Katharine, in Glasgow. She passed away on November 24, 1959.
Images for kids
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This candle holder was shown in The Studio magazine in 1900.
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These bookplates were designed by De Courcy for her sister and another person.
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This case holds a special enamel artwork. It was made from steel, copper, and moonstones.
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Another beautiful casket designed by De Courcy.
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A trophy cup designed by De Courcy.
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This challenge cup was made for a hockey club.
See also
