Frances MacDonald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frances Macdonald
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| Born | 24 August 1873 Staffordshire, England
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| Died | 12 December 1921 (aged 48) Glasgow, Scotland
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Education | Glasgow School of Art |
| Movement | Arts and Crafts movement |
| Spouse(s) |
Herbert MacNair
(m. 1899) |
Frances Macdonald MacNair (born August 24, 1873 – died December 12, 1921) was a talented Scottish artist. Her amazing designs were a big part of the Modern Style in Britain during the 1890s. This style is also known as Art Nouveau, which was popular for its flowing lines and natural shapes.
Contents
Early Life and Art School
Frances Macdonald was born in Kidsgrove, England. In 1890, her family moved to Glasgow, Scotland. She had a sister named Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, who was also an artist.
In 1891, both sisters started taking painting classes. They went to the famous Glasgow School of Art. There, they met two young architects: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Herbert MacNair.
Frances later married Herbert MacNair in 1899. Her sister Margaret married Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1900.
The Glasgow Four Artists
After meeting at art school, these four artists started showing their work together. They had a very similar style. Because of this, people began to call them "The Four." They became a very important group in the art world.
Artistic Collaborations and Work
In the mid-1890s, Frances and Margaret left art school. They opened their own art studio. They worked together on many different projects. These included graphics, fabric designs, book pictures, and metal art.
Frances also created many other types of art. She made beautiful embroidery pieces. She designed metal panels and painted watercolours. The sisters showed their art in big cities like London, Liverpool, and Venice.
Life in Liverpool
In 1899, Frances married Herbert MacNair. They moved to Liverpool, where Herbert taught at an art school. They continued to create art together. They painted watercolours and designed the inside of buildings.
They even designed a "Writing Room" for a big art show in Turin, Italy. Frances also started teaching art herself. They designed the inside of their own home too.
In the early 1900s, their art was shown in many places. These included Liverpool, London, Paris, Vienna, and Dresden.
Challenges and Later Years
In 1905, Herbert's art school closed. His family also lost their money. This made it harder for Frances and Herbert to continue their art careers. They moved back to Glasgow in 1909.
Frances continued to paint. She created a series of watercolours about women's lives. These paintings showed important choices women faced, like marriage and motherhood. Frances and Herbert had a son named Sylvan, who was born in 1900.
Legacy and Artistic Style
Frances Macdonald's art is not as well known as her sister's. This is partly because she moved away from Glasgow. Sadly, her husband destroyed many of her artworks after she died. Also, the work of both sisters was often overshadowed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Frances Macdonald passed away in Glasgow in 1921.
Most of her remaining artworks are kept in two places. You can see them at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow. Some are also at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
Unique Artistic Style
Frances Macdonald often worked with her sister Margaret. They developed a very special art style. Their art was influenced by several ideas. These included mysticism, symbolism, Christianity, and Celtic designs.
Their art also showed ideas about the "New Woman." This was a term for women who were becoming more independent.
Frances was also inspired by artists like William Blake and Aubrey Beardsley. You can see this in her art. She often drew figures that were long and thin. She also used strong, clear lines in her designs.
Gallery
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Spring -
The Sleeping Princess, 1910.
