Helen Margaret Spanton facts for kids

Helen Margaret Spanton (born 15 September 1877 – died 17 September 1934) was a British artist and a suffragette. Suffragettes were women who campaigned for the right to vote. Helen was also known as "Madge" by her family and friends.

Helen Spanton: An Artist's Life

Helen Margaret Spanton was born in Bury St Edmunds. Her father, William Silas Spanton, was an artist and photographer. Helen grew up in a very creative home, surrounded by art and artists.

Art Education and Style

Helen studied art at the Royal Female School of Art in London. From 1896 to 1899, she attended the famous Slade School of Art. Her teachers included well-known artists like Frederick Brown and Philip Wilson Steer. After the Slade, Helen continued her studies in Paris with her friend, artist Rose Mead.

Helen Spanton began showing her paintings at the New English Art Club in 1901. Some of her early works included Portrait of a Lady (1901) and In an Alcove (1902). At the time, some critics had old-fashioned ideas about what women artists should paint. But Helen was determined to paint what she wanted and in her own style.

Helen and her father were good friends with the Pre-Raphaelite artist Charles Fairfax Murray. They often visited each other. Their letters, now kept at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, tell us a lot about the art world of that time.

You can find Helen Spanton's paintings in several art galleries. These include the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, The Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery, and the Dulwich Picture Gallery.

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  Portrait of a Lady (1901)

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  In an Alcove (1902)

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  William Silas Spanton (1927)

Helen Spanton: A Suffragette for Women's Rights

Helen Spanton and her family strongly believed that women should have the right to vote. In their 1911 census return, they even wrote, "Four members of this family demand votes for women." Helen was a member of the Women's Social and Political Union, also known as the "Suffragettes."

Protesting for Change

On 9 March 1912, Helen was arrested for damaging government property during a suffragette protest in London. She was sentenced to two months in prison. While in Holloway prison, Helen went on a hunger strike. This was a way for suffragettes to protest not being treated as political prisoners.

After she was released, Helen received the Hunger Strike Medal. Many members of the Women's Social and Political Union welcomed her at a meeting. Helen gave an "excellent speech" about her experiences.

Helen's friend and relative, Katie Edith Gliddon, was also a suffragette and artist. Katie was arrested around the same time as Helen. While in prison, Katie secretly kept a diary and sketchbook. These writings give us an important look into the lives of suffragettes in prison. Katie dedicated her diaries to Helen. Katie Gliddon was also the model for Helen's painting In an Alcove (1902).

Beyond the Vote: Other Causes

Helen Spanton was involved in many groups that worked for social and political changes. She supported prison reform and animal rights. She also campaigned for the formation of the League of Nations after World War I. Her only brother, Arthur, died during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Later in life, Helen campaigned for the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, which works to protect the countryside. She left much of her property to this organization. In 1908, Helen also became a member of the Aristotelian Society, a group that studies philosophy.

Helen Spanton lived for many years with her father in Blackheath, London. Her father passed away in 1930. Helen died at her home in Blackheath on 17 September 1934. Helen, her mother, and her father are buried together in Charlton Cemetery. Helen had a large collection of paintings, which she left to The Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Royal Academy, and other galleries.