Elizabeth Parsons (artist) facts for kids

Elizabeth Parsons (born Elizabeth Warren) was an English artist. She lived in the 1800s. She moved to Victoria, Australia. She made history as the first woman elected to the Council of the Victorian Academy of Arts.

Growing Up and Moving to Australia

Elizabeth Parsons was born in Isleworth, London, England. Her parents were William Thomas Warren and Elizabeth Keens. She was born in 1831. She had four older brothers.

Elizabeth went to a boarding school. Later, she worked as a governess. A governess teaches children in their home. She also managed a toy shop owned by her family.

In 1868, Elizabeth married George Parsons. George managed a marble mine in Cornwall. George already had two sons, George and Cecil. Elizabeth and George had their first child, Adeline, in 1869.

In 1870, the Parsons family moved to Australia. They sailed on the SS Great Britain. They left Liverpool on March 19, 1870. The journey took 58 days. They arrived in Australia on May 15, 1870. Elizabeth was pregnant during the trip. She gave birth to her second child, Henry, soon after they arrived.

Her Life as an Artist

Elizabeth Parsons started her art career using the name "E.Warren." After she married, she showed her art as "Mrs George Parsons." However, she signed her paintings "E.P."

When she lived in London, Elizabeth learned from famous artists. These included Thomas Miles Richardson and James Duffield Harding. She traveled to many places to sketch and paint. She visited areas in England, Wales, and Scotland. In 1864, she even went to Fontainebleau in France.

When Parsons arrived in Australia, she quickly began to show her artwork. Her first exhibition was on December 1, 1870. It was called "Works by Victorian Artists." This show was held at the Melbourne Public Library. A newspaper called the Argus praised her work. It said her landscapes were among the best watercolor paintings.

Parsons' grave at St Kilda Cemetery

Elizabeth Parsons made history on December 3, 1874. She was elected to the Council of the Victorian Academy of Art. This made her the first woman to join the council. Some members did not want a woman on the council. But Elizabeth was still chosen.

She was also an active member of the Buonarotti Club. This was a lively art club in Melbourne. After this club ended in 1887, Elizabeth started a new one. In 1889, she founded a club called Stray Leaves. Many artists from the old club joined her new group.

Later Life and Passing

Elizabeth Parsons passed away on May 28, 1897. She is buried at St Kilda Cemetery.

Selected Works

• [http://search.slv.vic.gov.au/primo-explore/search?query=lsr30,exact,Sketches%20of%20St.%20Kilda%20by%20Elizabeth%20Parsons.&tab=default_tab&search_scope=Everything&vid=MAIN Sketches of St. Kilda by Elizabeth Parsons], Pictures Collection, State Library Victoria
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  Red Bluff St Kilda (Point Ormond)

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  Red Bluff, St. Kilda

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  Red Bluff St. Kilda

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  St Kilda Red Bluff looking towards Brighton

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  St Kilda Beach near Elwood