Eliza Anne Leslie-Melville facts for kids

Eliza Anne Leslie-Melville (born Smallbone; 17 March 1829 – July 1919) was a talented British artist. She painted many different kinds of pictures, including scenes from everyday life (called genre paintings) and pictures of people (portraits). She became well-known for her art in 1854 and kept painting until 1900. One of her most famous works is a portrait of Queen Victoria.

Eliza's Early Life and Family

Eliza Anne Smallbone was born on March 17, 1829. Her birthplace was Brighton, a town in Sussex, England. Her parents were James Smallbone and Frances Barrow.

In 1855, Eliza married Alexander Melville. He was also a painter. From 1864 to 1874, they lived in London at No. 34 Fitzroy Square. They returned to Fitzroy Square, at No. 6, in 1890. They lived there until Alexander died in 1892. After her husband passed away, Eliza moved to 49 Portsdown Road in Paddington. She then started using the name Leslie-Melville.

Eliza and Alexander had three daughters. Two of their daughters also grew up to become painters.

Eliza's Book: $2000 Reward

Eliza wrote a book called $2000 Reward. It was published in 1871. By this time, her husband could no longer hear.

Mrs. Alexander Melville, who is quite famous as a painter, has released a children's book for the holidays. – Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper

Eliza explained in the book's introduction why she, an artist, decided to write a book. She was inspired by a young boy she saw on the street. She met his mother and family. Eliza thought they would make a great subject for a painting.

She asked the mother to bring her children to visit. The family came, and Eliza was very happy with the "romantic little boy." He often posed for her paintings. Eliza grew very fond of her "little friend." Sadly, he later became ill and passed away with Eliza by his side. The story in her book was changed to have a happier ending.

At the end of her book, Eliza invited readers interested in art to visit her studio. She also shared that she was very good at painting "posthumous portraits." These are portraits painted after someone has passed away. After this invitation, there were many pages of good reviews about her paintings and illustrations.

Eliza Anne Leslie-Melville died in July 1919. She was 90 years old. She was buried on July 29, 1919, in Camden Town, London.

Eliza's Painting Career

Eliza was an oil painter. She created both genre paintings (scenes of everyday life) and portraits (pictures of people). She became known as a painter in 1854 and continued to paint until 1900.

Famous Works and Exhibitions

One of her most celebrated works is a portrait of Queen Victoria. Eliza gave this painting to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in 1909. It is one of only three paintings by women in the RUSI collection.

This portrait of Queen Victoria is important because the Queen supported art, and because a woman painted it. – Jacqui Grainger, RUSI

Eliza showed her art in major galleries from 1854 to 1868. At first, from 1854 to 1855, she specialized in landscapes. She exhibited her work at the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Society of British Artists, and twice at the British Institution. She used her maiden name, Smallbone, for these early exhibitions. After that, she continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy until 1868, using the name Melville.

The Prince of Wales Painting

In the mid-1860s, Eliza and her husband, Alexander, worked together on a very large painting. It was called Presentation of the Freedom of the City to the Prince of Wales. This painting showed Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, receiving the Freedom of the City of London on June 8, 1863.

In 1866, The Morning Post newspaper reported that the painting was "progressing rapidly." It said that the "skilful artists, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Melville," were working on it daily at Guildhall, London.

When the painting was finished, The Morning Post reported that Queen Victoria and "her Majesty the Queen of Prussia" had seen it and "very greatly admired" it. The painting was even taken to Windsor Castle. This huge artwork included more than 450 portraits and took five years to complete. It was shown to the public in July 1868.

However, the City of London Corporation decided not to buy the painting. They paid the Melvilles 300 guineas as a payment for their work. The Melvilles later tried to get more money for the painting in court, but they were not successful. The court ruled there was no official agreement to buy the painting.

Later Exhibitions and Royal Connections

In 1870, Eliza was called "a lady artist of rising celebrity." She held an exhibition at her home. It featured paintings and illustrations related to spiritual themes. The Exmouth Journal noted that her works "merit public notice on account of the originality of conception."

Even after the court case, Eliza continued to have connections with royalty. In 1877, several of her works were shown to the Queen at Windsor Castle. These paintings were then displayed at "Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Melville Art Exhibition" at Portman Square. In 1880, Eliza "had the honour of submitting to Her Majesty's inspection at Windsor Castle a picture painted by her."

In 1885, an exhibition called "Pictures by Alexander Melville and Eliza A. Melville" was held. It showed a collection of their studies and paintings at McQueen's Gallery on Tottenham Court Road. In the same year, Eliza also showed her works, along with her husband's, at an exhibition in Alnwick, Northumberland. Her art was "not unknown in Alnwick."

Collections

• Beecroft Art Gallery
• National Army Museum
• Bushey Museum and Art Gallery
• The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies