Elsie Gledstanes facts for kids

Elsie Gledstanes (1891–1982) was a talented British artist. She was well-known for painting portraits of people, groups of figures, and beautiful landscapes. Her art captured many different scenes and faces throughout her life.

Elsie Gledstanes: An Artist's Life

Early Life and Art Training

Elsie Gledstanes was born in 1891 in Ealing, a town that was then in Middlesex. Today, Ealing is part of London. From a young age, Elsie showed a passion for art.

She traveled to Paris, France, to begin her art studies. Paris was a major center for artists at that time. After her time in Paris, Elsie returned to London. There, she continued her art education at several famous schools. These included the Slade School of Fine Art, the Byam Shaw School of Art, and the Vicat Cole School. These schools helped her develop her unique artistic skills.

Developing Her Artistic Style

As Elsie grew as an artist, she set up her own studios. She had one studio in London and another in Prenteg, a village near Porthmadog in Wales. Having two studios allowed her to paint different subjects and scenes.

Elsie used many types of paint in her work. She painted with oils, which give rich, deep colors. She also used pastel, which creates soft, chalk-like images. Sometimes, she used tempera, a type of paint that dries quickly. She also created lovely pictures with watercolour, known for its light and flowing effects. Her favorite subjects were portraits, groups of people, and landscapes.

Art and War Service

Elsie Gledstanes lived through two major world wars. During World War I, she served in the Women's Royal Naval Service. This was a group of women who helped the navy.

Later, during World War II, Elsie continued to help her country. She worked as an auxiliary ambulance driver. This meant she drove ambulances to help injured people. She also drove for the Women's Legion, another group of women helping with the war effort.

Even while serving, Elsie continued to create art. She painted and sketched many individual and group portraits. These pictures often showed other women who were also helping with war duties. Some of these important artworks are now kept in famous museums. You can find them at the Imperial War Museum and the Royal Air Force Museum London in London.

Exhibiting Her Work

Elsie Gledstanes was a well-recognized artist. Her paintings, especially her watercolours, were often shown in important art exhibitions. She regularly displayed her work at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. This is one of the most famous art institutions in Britain.

She also exhibited with other well-known art groups. These included the Royal Society of British Artists and the Society of Women Artists. Her art was also shown at Walker's Gallery and at the Ridley Art Club. These exhibitions helped her share her art with many people.