Jean Hunter Cowan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Hunter Cowan
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| Born |
Jean Hore
1882 Edinburgh, Scotland
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| Died | 1967 (aged 84–85) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Karlsruhe Conservatorium, Germany |
| Known for | Painting |
Jean Mildred Hunter Cowan (born Hore) was a super talented Scottish artist who lived from 1882 to 1967. She wasn't just good at painting with oils and watercolours; she also sculpted amazing portraits! But wait, there's more! Jean was also a fantastic sportswoman, played the violin beautifully, and was even one of the very first women to fly an airplane!
Contents
About Jean Hunter Cowan
Early Life and Education
Jean was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She went to school at St Leonards School in St Andrews. Later, she studied music at the Karlsruhe Conservatorium in Germany. A conservatorium is like a special school for music and arts.
Helping During Wartime
During World War I, Jean helped out in France with an ambulance team. While she was there, she drew many sketches of the important work they did. She also drew pictures of the people she worked with.
An Amazing Artist
When she came back to Edinburgh, Jean often showed her art at the Scottish Society of Women Artists. She even became the president of this society in the 1950s! She also joined the Society of Scottish Artists in 1945. Her artwork, including her bronze sculptures and watercolour paintings, was shown at other famous places. These included the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Scottish Watercolour Society. She also showed her art at the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts.
Beyond Art: Sports, Music, and Flying!
Jean loved to travel all over the world, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. She had many hobbies besides her art. In 1924, she won two big sports titles. She won the ladies' golf championship of India. She also won the ladies' tennis doubles championship of Malaysia.
Jean was also a very good amateur violinist. In 1927, she helped start the Women's Section of the Edinburgh Society of Musicians.
Perhaps one of her most exciting achievements was learning to fly! In 1911, Jean learned how to pilot an airplane. Some people said she was the first British woman to fly solo. Others claimed she was the first Scottish woman to fly alone. However, the Royal Aeronautical Society has said these claims are not entirely correct. Even so, it's clear she was a very early female pilot, which was incredibly rare and brave for her time!
