Elsie Henderson facts for kids

Elsie Marian Henderson, who later became Baroness de Coudenhove, was a talented British artist. Born on May 28, 1880, she lived until 1967. Elsie was especially famous for her amazing paintings and sculptures of animals.

Becoming an Artist: Elsie's Early Life and Training

Elsie Henderson was born in a town called Eastbourne in Sussex, England. Her mother loved to paint as a hobby and encouraged Elsie to follow her passion for art.

Elsie started her art journey at the South Kensington Schools. After that, she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art from 1903 to 1905.

Studying Art in Paris and Beyond

Elsie wanted to learn even more about art, so she traveled to Paris, France. Between 1908 and 1912, she took classes at several art schools there. These included famous places like the Academie Moderne and the Académie Colarossi.

In 1912, Elsie studied with an artist named Othon Friesz. The next year, 1913, she spent time in Italy, soaking up more art and culture.

Learning Lithography and Finding Her Focus

After some time on the island of Guernsey, Elsie moved to London. In 1916, she joined the Chelsea Polytechnic art school. There, she learned a special printing technique called lithography from artist Francis Ernest Jackson.

While in London, Elsie often visited the London Zoo. She loved watching the animals, and they soon became the main subject of her artwork. She drew and painted many different animals.

Elsie's Animal Art and Exhibitions

Elsie's animal art became very popular. London Transport even asked her to create a poster to encourage people to visit the Zoo. Even though her design was unique, people really liked it.

Elsie also started her own printing press and joined the Senefelder Club, a group for printmakers. In 1924, she had her first solo art show at the Leicester Galleries in London. This exhibition featured her drawings, lithographs, and even bronze sculptures of animals. Some of her works showed powerful animals, like Jaguar Tearing its Prey and Leopard Killing a Parrot.

Between 1927 and 1938, Elsie's art was shown in many exhibitions by the Society of Graver Printers in Colour.

Life During World War II

In 1928, Elsie married Henri Baron de Coudenhove. He was the French consul (a government official) for Guernsey. Elsie and Henri lived on Guernsey during World War II. They stayed there even when the island was under German occupation.

Baron de Coudenhove passed away near the end of the war. In 1946, Elsie moved back to Sussex, England, to a place called Hadlow Down. She continued to paint for many years, almost until the end of her life.

Where to See Elsie Henderson's Art

During her lifetime, Elsie Henderson's art was shown in many important places. She exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, which is a very famous art institution. She also showed her work with the Women's International Art Club and the Society of Women Artists.

Years later, in 1985, a special exhibition showed Elsie's work alongside that of her friend, artist Orovida Camille Pissarro. More exhibitions of her art were held in 1999, 2001, and 2004 by Sally Hunter Fine Art.

Today, you can find Elsie Henderson's art in several major museums. The Tate museum in London has two of her pieces from 1916. The British Museum also holds several of her artworks. Other museums with her work include the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and the Manchester Art Gallery.