Georgina Bowers facts for kids
Georgina Harriett Bowers (1836–1912) was a talented artist from the Victorian era (a time when Queen Victoria ruled Britain). She was known for drawing funny pictures, making her one of the first women to be recognized as a professional humourist. From a young age, Georgina loved animals. Later, her detailed drawings of horses and dogs became a big part of her artwork. She is famous for her illustrations in Punch, a popular magazine, but she also created many of her own comic books.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Georgina Bowers was born in 1836 in London, England. Her father, George Bowers, was a church leader, first at St Paul's, Covent Garden and later in Manchester. Sadly, Georgina's mother passed away when she was very young.
Growing up, Georgina loved the countryside and animals. These became important themes in her later drawings. She enjoyed sketching dogs and horses from a young age. However, her governess (a private teacher) wanted her to focus on needlework and reading instead. But Georgina loved drawing so much that she spent most of her free time doing it anyway!
When she was 15, Georgina went to Derbyshire for private lessons. She studied music, drawing, and German. Even though she had drawing lessons, her teacher still discouraged her from drawing animals. Instead, she was taught watercolour sketching, which was seen as more suitable for young women at the time.
Becoming a Professional Artist
After her "coming out" (a formal event where young women were introduced to society), Georgina decided to study at the Manchester School of Art. This was quite unusual for a woman in her position, and she dedicated a lot of her time to her studies.
Later, Georgina became an illustrator for Punch magazine. She worked alongside famous artists like Mark Lemon and John Leech. After Leech died in 1864, Georgina moved to Hertfordshire. She wanted to be closer to the countryside, where she could study horses and dogs while people were hunting. Georgina once said that many of the jokes in her own comic books came from things she saw while out hunting.
By 1876, Georgina was designing almost all the hunting-related pictures for Punch. She spent her days with her dogs or riding horses. She always carried a sketchbook in her saddlebag. This way, she could draw the animals and scenery around her whenever inspiration struck.
Georgina worked for Punch from 1866 to 1876. She also showed her art with the Society of Female Artists in 1862. Between 1862 and 1889, she illustrated many books about sports and nature. Some of these included "Canters in Crampshire" (around 1880), "Mr Crop's Harriers" (around 1880), and "Tales for Sportsmen" (1883). Other books she illustrated in the 1880s were "A Month in the Midlands," "Notes From a Hunting Box," and "Across Country."
Georgina married Henry Edwards, a veterinarian (animal doctor) from St Albans. They settled down in Hertfordshire. Georgina Bowers passed away in Hertfordshire in 1912.
Images for kids
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Photo of Georgina Bowers by S. A. Walker
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A panel from "Hollybush Hall" by Georgina Bowers.
