Edith Holden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Blackwell Holden
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait of Edith Holden
|
|
| Born |
Edith Blackwell Holden
26 September 1871 Kings Norton, Birmingham
|
| Died | 16 March 1920 (aged 48) |
Edith Blackwell Holden (born September 26, 1871 – died March 15, 1920) was a talented British artist and art teacher. She was born in Kings Norton, a part of Birmingham, England. Edith became very famous after her special notebook, Nature Notes for 1906, was published in 1977. This book, called The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, became a huge success around the world. Her life story and the book were even made into a TV show later on.
Contents
About Edith Holden's Life
Edith Blackwell Holden (1871–1920) was a British artist. She also worked as a part-time art teacher. During her lifetime, she was known for illustrating children's books. She loved painting animals and plants. Her style was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.
Edith became famous many years after she passed away. This happened when her Nature Notes for 1906 was published in 1977. The book was renamed The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. She wrote these notes while living in Olton, Solihull, between 1905 and 1906.
This book was a collection of her observations about nature. It included poetry and beautiful pictures of birds, plants, and insects. Edith never planned for it to be published. But decades later, its charm reminded people of a time long ago. It quickly became a best-selling book worldwide.
Her Early Years and Family
Edith's mother, Emma Wearing, was a former governess. She wrote religious books. Edith's father, Arthur Holden, owned a paint factory in Birmingham. He was also a respected Town Councillor. Edith's middle name, Blackwell, honored her cousin, Elizabeth Blackwell. Elizabeth was a pioneering woman doctor. The Holden family was involved with the Birmingham Labour Church.
Edith had four sisters. Her family held regular meetings at home to try and communicate with her mother's spirit after she passed away in 1904. Her father even wrote a diary about these experiences.
Edith as a Teacher and Illustrator
From 1906 to 1909, Edith Holden taught at the Solihull School for Girls. She created her Nature Notes for 1906 as an example for her students. Later, Edith became a book illustrator, just like her younger sisters.
She illustrated four volumes of The Animal's Friend magazine. This magazine was for the National Council for Animals' Welfare. She also illustrated several children's books. One of these was The Three Goats Gruff. Her paintings were often shown in art exhibitions. She exhibited at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists from 1890 to 1907. Her work was also shown at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1907 and 1917.
Her Marriage and Later Life
In 1911, when she was 39, Edith Holden married Ernest Smith. Ernest was a sculptor and seven years younger than her. He became a main assistant to Countess Feodora Gleichen. At the Countess's studio in St James Palace, the Smiths met many important artists. These included Sir George Frampton, who sculpted the statue of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. They also met royal visitors, like King Faisal of Arabia. Edith continued her work as an illustrator. The couple did not have any children.
How Edith Passed Away
On March 16, 1920, Edith Holden was found drowned in a part of the River Thames near Kew Gardens Walk. The day before, she had told her husband, Ernest, that she had a headache. This was not unusual for her. They had talked about friends visiting for Easter, which Edith was excited about. Ernest left for his studio, and Edith said she might go to the river later. She wanted to watch the University rowing teams practice.
When Ernest came home that evening, Edith was not there. The dinner table was set, so he thought she was with friends. The next morning, he learned that her body had been found. An investigation found that she had been trying to reach a branch of chestnut buds. The branch was too high. She used her umbrella to try and break it off. While doing so, she fell into the river and drowned.
Books About Edith Holden
- The Edwardian Lady: The Story of Edith Holden, by Ina Taylor (1980)
- The Edwardian Afterlife Diary of Emma Holden, by K Jackson-Barnes (2013) ISBN: 978-0957500709
