J. Doyle Penrose facts for kids

James Doyle Penrose (born May 9, 1862 – died January 2, 1932) was an Irish painter. He was famous for his beautiful paintings about religion and old stories (mythology). He was also a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy, a well-known art group in Ireland.

About His Life

James Doyle Penrose was born in County Wicklow, Ireland. His family were Quakers, a Christian group known for their simple lifestyle and peaceful beliefs. James went to art schools in London, including St John's Wood Art School and the Royal College of Art. These schools are part of the famous Royal Academy of Arts.

Around 1890, James and his family moved from Ireland to Hertfordshire, near London. He often showed his paintings at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, from the 1890s until 1927. He also traveled a lot, especially in Canada.

James married Elizabeth Josephine Peckover. Her father, Alexander Peckover, 1st Baron Peckover, was a rich Quaker banker. James and Elizabeth had four sons: Alexander, Lionel Sharples Penrose, Sir Roland Penrose, and Bernard.

The family lived at Oxhey Grange in Watford. James Doyle Penrose owned a large area of land there. He even built a place called the Rose Tea Cottage and Gardens. He hoped this would give local workers a nice place to relax instead of going to pubs.

Elizabeth, his wife, passed away in July 1930 when she was 72 years old. James Doyle Penrose died in Bognor Regis on January 2, 1932.

His Art and Legacy

James Doyle Penrose is best known for his paintings that tell religious stories or show scenes from myths. He also painted pictures about the Woad industry. Woad is a plant used to make blue dye, and this industry was near his wife's family home in Wisbech. He also made a sculpture of his father-in-law.

You can find a black and white photograph of James and his wife in the online collection of the National Trust.

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  Idun and the Apples, 1890. This painting shows a goddess from Norse mythology.

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  Freya, 1890. Freya is another important goddess in Norse mythology.

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  The Last Chapter, 1902. This painting might show someone finishing a book or a part of their life.

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  The Venerable Bede Translates John, 1902. This artwork shows a famous monk from history translating a religious text.