Ethel Gresley Ball facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ethel Gresley Ball
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| Born | 24 November 1886 Dublin
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| Died | 3 July 1959 Dublin
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| Nationality | Irish |
Ethel Gresley Ball (born November 24, 1886 – died July 3, 1959) was a talented Irish artist. She created both paintings and sculptures. She is most famous for her amazing sculptures of animals. Many of these animals lived at the Royal Zoological Gardens, Dublin.
Her Early Life and Training
Ethel Gresley Ball was born in Dublin, Ireland, on November 24, 1886. Her father, Valentine Ball, was a geologist. He was also a director at the Science and Art Museum in Dublin. Ethel's older sister, Maude Mary Ball, was also an artist.
Ethel loved art and decided to study it. She learned from Oliver Sheppard at the RHA Schools. She also studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. These were important places for young artists to learn and grow.
Exhibitions and Famous Works
Ethel Gresley Ball was a very active artist. She showed her work every year at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) Exhibitions starting in 1917. Over her career, she displayed more than 50 different pieces there.
In 1922, Ethel had a special exhibition with her sister Maude. They showed their art alongside another artist, Dorothy FitzGerald, at Mills' Hall in Dublin. Ethel's art was also featured in other big shows. These included the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales and an exhibition in Belfast.
Animal Sculptures
Ethel Gresley Ball was especially known for her animal sculptures. She spent a lot of time at the Dublin Zoo. There, she studied and sculpted many different animals. Her sculptures captured the spirit and movement of these creatures.
One of her important pieces was a bronze sculpture of a 'Great Irish Deer'. This animal is also known as the "Irish Elk." The National Museum of Ireland bought this sculpture in 1927. Her last piece shown at the RHA in 1940 was called Zoo Babies at Play. This shows her love for sculpting young animals.
Legacy
Ethel Gresley Ball passed away on July 3, 1959. Today, the Dublin Zoo still has three of her beautiful animal sculptures. Her work helps us remember the amazing animals she captured in art.
