Edith Grace Wheatley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Grace Wheatley
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The Artist's Wife by John Laviers Wheatley
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Edith Grace Wolfe
26 June 1888 London
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| Died | 28 November 1970 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | British |
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| Known for | Painting |
| Spouse(s) | John Laviers Wheatley (m.1912–1955, his death) |
Edith Grace Wheatley (born Edith Grace Wolfe, 1888–1970) was a talented British artist. She had a long and successful career. Edith was known for her paintings of people, flowers, birds, and animals. She was also a skilled sculptor.
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Early Life and Art Training
Edith Grace Wolfe was born in London on June 26, 1888. She loved art from a young age. Edith studied at the famous Slade School of Art in London. She attended from 1906 to 1908. After that, she traveled to Paris, France. There, she continued her art studies at the Académie Colarossi.
Becoming a Professional Artist
After her training, Edith spent some time in Newlyn, a famous art colony. She then returned to London. This is where she truly began her career as an artist. In 1910, a major art gallery, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, bought one of her artworks. It was a watercolor on ivory called The Lady Clarissa. Another drawing, Seated Women from 1913, is now part of the Tate collection.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Edith Grace Wheatley became a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy of Arts. This is a very important art institution in London. She showed her work there many times between 1914 and 1964. She also exhibited with the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers. In 1921, she became an elected member of the New English Art Club. This showed how respected she was by other artists.
Life in South Africa
In 1912, Edith married another painter, John Laviers Wheatley. In 1925, the couple moved to South Africa. They both continued their art careers there. Edith Grace Wheatley became a senior lecturer in Fine Art. She taught at the University of Cape Town. Her husband, John, became a professor there too. He later became the director of the Iziko South African National Gallery.
Public Art Projects
While in Cape Town, Edith also created several public artworks. These were special commissions for the city. She made a sculpture for the new law courts building. She also painted large murals for the entrance of the National Gallery. These were wall and ceiling paintings.
Return to England and War Work
Edith and John Wheatley stayed in South Africa until 1937. They then returned to England and settled in Sheffield. During World War II, Edith Grace Wheatley received a special commission. She was asked to paint how the war affected the local steel industry. This was a very important job.
Changing Her Style for War Art
To complete this task, Edith changed her painting style a lot. She created large, powerful paintings. These showed the hard work in the steel factories. Two of her most famous war paintings are Forging six-pounder shell bodies, Kilnhurst steel works and The tyre mill, Kilnhurst steel works. These were shown at the Royal Academy in 1945 and 1946.
Later Career and Legacy
Edith Grace Wheatley continued to gain recognition for her art. In 1945, she became an associate member of the Royal Watercolour Society. She was then elected a full member in 1952. Edith Grace Wheatley passed away on November 28, 1970. She is remembered for her diverse artworks and her important contributions to British art.
