Gretta Bowen facts for kids

Margretta Bowen, known to many as Gretta Bowen (born January 1, 1880 – died April 8, 1981), was an amazing Irish artist. What makes her story special is that she taught herself to paint! She only began her art journey later in life, even after her sons, Arthur and George Campbell, were already famous artists.

Gretta Bowen's Early Life

Although Gretta Bowen was born in Dublin, Ireland, she spent most of her life living in Belfast. Her father, Samuel Arthur Bowen, worked for the railway. Gretta married Matthew Campbell, who had served in the Boer War. They had three sons: Arthur, George, and Stanley. Interestingly, all three of her boys also grew up to become painters! After her husband passed away in 1925, Gretta worked hard to support her family. She ran a laundrette and took in people who needed a place to stay to make sure they had enough money.

Starting Her Art Career

Gretta Bowen started painting quite late in her life. Just a few weeks before her 70th birthday, she found some paints that her son Arthur had left behind. She decided to try them out and began to experiment with art.

First Exhibitions

Only five years after she first picked up a paintbrush, Gretta had her very first art show! It was held in Belfast at a gallery run by the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts. After that, she had many more exhibitions in Dublin. She showed her work at the David Hendricks Gallery in 1961, and with the Tom Caldwell Gallery in 1977 and 1980. She had also shown her art at Caldwell's Belfast Gallery in 1970, 1976, and 1980.

Gretta also had a solo exhibition at the Bell Gallery in Belfast in 1965. She took part in many group shows too, including the Irish Exhibition of Living Art, Oireachtas, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the Ulster Society of Women Artists.

International Recognition

In 1979, when Gretta was 99 years old, her paintings became famous around the world! She exhibited her work at the International Naïves exhibition in London. Gretta also had solo and group shows in the United States and Canada.

In 1974, the Arts Council for Northern Ireland used her painting called Rustic Sports for a poster that was shared widely. The next year, her son George was asked to paint her portrait. This portrait was later shown in the Arts Council's Women of Belfast exhibition.

Death and Lasting Legacy

Gretta Bowen passed away in Belfast on April 8, 1981. Her beautiful paintings can be found in many important collections today. These include the Ulster Museum and the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland. Her art continues to inspire people.