Doris Boyd facts for kids

Doris Lucy Eleanor Bloomfield Boyd (born Gough; 20 November 1888 – 13 June 1960) was an Australian artist. She was known for her paintings and for working with ceramics.

Early Life and Family

Doris Boyd was the youngest of six children. Her parents were Thomas Bunbury Gough and Evelyn Anna Walker Gough. Her father, Thomas, was a Lieutenant in the Victorian Naval Forces. This was a high rank for the time. He was in charge of the ship HMVS Cerberus when its main commander was not there.

The ironclad ship HMVS Cerberus with the training ship HMVS Nelson in the background. These were ships of the Victorian Naval Force.

Doris grew up in a unique home. Her mother, Evelyn, had a lively personality and strong beliefs. She followed a faith called Christian Science. Her father, Thomas, came from a more traditional background. Doris's family line included important people like Thomas Bunbury Gough, who was a church leader, and Hugh Gough, a famous soldier.

Before his naval career, Doris's father worked as a merchant and an insurance agent. Her mother, Evelyn, was also a co-owner of a newspaper called The Sun: A Society Courier.

Education and Marriage

Doris Gough studied art at the National Gallery School. Her teachers included famous artists like Bernard Hall and Frederick McCubbin. While studying there, she met Merric Boyd. He was also an art student and a potter. Merric came from a family of artists known as the Boyd family.

In 1915, Doris married Merric Boyd. They had five children together: Lucy, Arthur, Guy, David, and Mary. Many of their children also became well-known artists.

Art Career

Doris Boyd played an important role in Merric Boyd's pottery work. Between 1920 and 1930, she decorated many of his pieces. These were often items used in homes, like bowls or plates. Her decorations usually featured Australian plants and animals.

In 1926, Merric Boyd's art studio in Murrumbeena was destroyed by a fire. This fire also ruined many of his pottery works.

Doris had a strong belief in Christian Science. Her faith influenced her husband, Merric, especially later in his life. Doris passed away on 13 June 1960. This was nine months after Merric died. They are buried next to each other in Brighton General Cemetery in Victoria, Australia.