Gertrude Mary Coventry facts for kids

Gertrude Mary Coventry (born November 2, 1886 – died 1964) was a talented Scottish artist. She was also known as Gertrude Robertson after she married. Gertrude loved to paint many different things, like people's faces (portraits), beautiful outdoor views (landscapes), and scenes from the coast.

The Life of Gertrude Coventry

Gertrude Coventry was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 2, 1886. Her father, Robert McGowan Coventry, was also a famous artist. This meant Gertrude grew up surrounded by art!

She went to the Glasgow School of Art from 1902 to 1911. This is where she learned many important art skills. Gertrude often traveled with her father on painting trips. They visited places in Europe, like the Netherlands and Belgium. They also explored different parts of Scotland.

Marriage and Travels

On one of these painting trips, Gertrude visited Pittenweem in Fife, Scotland. There, she met Edward Robertson, who was a scholar. They fell in love and got married in 1915.

After they married, Gertrude and Edward moved several times. From 1916 to 1921, they lived in Inveresk in East Lothian. Then, from 1921 to 1934, they lived in Bangor in north Wales. Edward was a professor of Semitic languages there.

Later, Edward got a job in Manchester, so they moved to Didsbury. In 1962, they moved to Canada. Gertrude Coventry passed away in Hudson, Quebec, Canada, in 1964.

Her Artistic Career

Gertrude Coventry was a very active artist throughout her life. She showed her paintings in many important art exhibitions. She often displayed her work with the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts. She showed about 47 paintings there!

She also joined the Glasgow Society of Lady Artists in 1905. This was a group for women artists. Gertrude also exhibited her art at the Royal Academy of Arts, the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, and the Royal Scottish Academy. She showed a total of twenty works at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Famous Portraits

While living in Didsbury, Gertrude painted many portraits. One of her notable portraits was of the Chief Rabbi of Manchester. Her portraits are still kept in several British universities today. You can find her work at Bangor University, the University of St Andrews, and the University of Manchester.

Gertrude Mary Coventry's art helps us remember her talent. She captured beautiful scenes and important people through her paintings.