Judith Ackland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judith Ackland
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Judith Ackland, c.1930s
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| Born | 1892 Bideford, Devon
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| Died | 1971 (aged 78–79) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | The Regent Street Polytechnic |
| Known for | Landscape painting, dioramas |
| Partner(s) | Mary Stella Edwards |
Judith Ackland (1892–1971) was a talented English artist. She was known for painting beautiful landscapes and for creating detailed miniature scenes called dioramas.
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About Judith Ackland's Life
Judith Agnes Maud Ackland was born in 1892 in Bideford, Devon. Her father, Charles Kingsley Ackland, was a well-known doctor in the area.
Her Art Education
Judith first studied art at the Bideford Art School. Later, she moved to The Regent Street Polytechnic in London. This school is now part of the University of Westminster. There, she met another art student named Mary Stella Edwards (1893–1989). They became very close friends and partners for life.
The Bucks Mills Cabin
From 1924, Judith and Mary used a small cabin in Bucks Mills as their art studio. This cabin was a former fisherman’s storage shed from the mid-1800s. Judith's mother first rented the cabin in 1913. Judith took over the rental in 1938 and then bought the cabin in 1948. They worked there together until Judith's death in 1971.
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Her Artworks
Judith Ackland mostly painted watercolours of the coast and countryside around Bideford. However, she and Mary also traveled and created art in many other places.
Together, they made amazing dioramas. Dioramas are 3D models that show a scene, often with a painted background. Judith created all the tiny models for these scenes. She even invented her own special method called "Jackanda" to make them. Mary Stella Edwards painted the detailed backgrounds for these dioramas.
The town of Windsor asked them to create dioramas to celebrate important historical events. One large diorama showed scenes from the Golden Jubilee of King George III in 1809. It included figures of the royal family, based on their real portraits. These dioramas can now be seen at the Windsor's Community Museum.
Judith Ackland's Lasting Impact
After Judith's death, Mary Stella Edwards gave a collection of their artworks to the Burton Art Gallery and Museum in Bideford. These works were created between 1913 and 1965.
You can find artworks by Judith Ackland and Mary Stella Edwards in several important museums. These include The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Museum of London in England. Their art is also at The National Museum of Wales and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal.
The Bucks Mills Cabin Today
The Bucks Mills Cabin, where Judith and Mary worked, is now managed by The National Trust since 2004. It is a special building, listed as Grade II, meaning it has important architectural or historical value. It's like a time capsule, showing what life was like in Bucks Mills in the mid-20th century.
Today, the cabin is used as a summer home for artists who come to stay and create art. It is also sometimes open to the public. In 2017, the Cabin was recognized as an important landmark as part of a project that highlights diverse historical stories.
