Helen Paxton Brown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Paxton Brown
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| Born | 1876 Glasgow, Scotland
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| Died | 1956 (aged 79–80) Glasgow, Scotland
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Alma mater | Glasgow School of Art |
| Known for | Embroidery, bookbinding |
| Movement | Arts and Crafts |
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Helen Paxton Brown (1876 - 1956), also known as "Nell", was a talented Scottish artist. She was part of a group called the Glasgow Girls. Helen was born in Glasgow and lived there most of her life. She was famous for her paintings and beautiful embroidery. She also worked with leather, bound books, and painted on china.
Becoming an Artist: Education and Career
Helen studied at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) from 1894 to 1901. This school was known for its modern approach to art. She learned from teachers like Ann Macbeth. Later, Helen herself taught at GSA. She taught art embroidery to other teachers from 1904 to 1907. Embroidery was a very important craft at the school back then. She also taught bookbinding from 1911 to 1913.
While at GSA, Helen became best friends with Jessie M. King. They even shared an art studio and flat in Glasgow for many years. Their friendship stayed strong even when their art careers took different paths. Jessie M. King became famous around the world. Helen Paxton Brown had some early success but was less well-known later on. The two friends often posed for each other's artwork.
After her studies, Helen traveled to Paris for sketching classes. She admired the free style of French Impressionist painters. She continued to visit Paris throughout her life. Her paintings often showed people enjoying life. She loved capturing the feeling of cafes and street scenes. She was also interested in fashion and clothes. Besides people, she painted landscapes and flowers.
Helen once said she chose embroidery because she loved "playing with colour." She also knew that embroidered pieces would sell. She believed "art for art's sake is the road to starvation nowadays." People described her as lively and witty.
In the early 1900s, Helen was involved in special events called "pageants." These events celebrated Scottish and Celtic culture. Many Arts and Crafts designers took part. Helen helped with a historical pageant at the University of Glasgow.
Art Shows and Special Projects
Helen joined "The Glasgow Society of Artists." This group was special because women could join, unlike the all-male Glasgow Art Club. She was also a member of the Glasgow Society of Lady Artists starting in 1905. She became an honorary member in 1948. Her art was often displayed there and at the Glasgow Art Institute.
In the 1920s, Helen's art changed. She started using brighter colors and bolder designs. This was true for both her paintings and her embroidery. She showed this new style in a joint exhibition with Jessie M. King in 1931. The show was called "Spring in Three Rooms." They displayed their paintings. They also decorated three rooms in bright yellows and creams. This showed new ideas for home decoration. It was very different from the dark furniture popular at the time. Helen and Jessie M. King often exhibited their work together.
In 1925, Helen received a special request. She was asked to paint 12 mural panels for a place called Mount Blow in Dalmuir. These murals featured popular nursery rhymes. This project was part of a welfare program in Glasgow.
Today, you can see examples of Helen Paxton Brown's work. Some of her art is displayed at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.
