Julia Abercromby, Baroness Abercromby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lady Abercromby
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| Born | Julia Janet Georgiana Haldane-Duncan 24 January 1840 Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
| Died | 8 December 1915 (aged 75) Camperdown, Dundee, Scotland |
| Spouse(s) |
George Abercromby, 4th Baron Abercromby
(m. 1858) |
| Parents | Adam Haldane-Duncan, 2nd Earl of Camperdown Juliana Cavendish Philips |
Julia Janet Georgiana Abercromby (born Haldane-Duncan) was a talented British artist and a close helper to Queen Victoria. She was born on January 24, 1840, and passed away on December 8, 1915. She was also known as Baroness Abercromby.
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Life of Lady Abercromby
Julia Janet Georgiana Haldane-Duncan was born in Naples on January 24, 1840. Her father was Adam Haldane-Duncan, who later became the Earl of Camperdown. Her mother was Juliana Cavendish Philips.
In 1858, Julia married George, the 4th Baron Abercromby. This made her Lady Abercromby.
Working for Queen Victoria
Lady Abercromby worked for Queen Victoria as a "Lady of the Bedchamber." This important role meant she was a close personal attendant to the Queen. She served from April 1874 to March 1885.
For her dedicated service, she received a special award. It was called The Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, Third Class. This award was given by the Queen herself.
Painting the Queen's Portrait
While working for the Queen, Lady Abercromby had a special honor. She painted the first official portrait of Queen Victoria for the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery had asked for portraits of the Queen and her husband, Prince Albert, in 1867.
A portrait of Prince Albert was sent quickly. However, Lady Abercromby's portrait of the Queen was sent much later, in 1883. She created the picture using watercolors. It was based on an earlier painting by Heinrich von Angeli.
Queen Victoria especially liked this portrait. It showed her as a woman, not just as a powerful ruler. It did not focus on her royal symbols.
Other Artistic Works
Lady Abercromby also read books to Queen Victoria. In 1874, she read A Princess of Thule by William Black. The Queen then asked her to paint a watercolor of the main character, Sheila Mackenzie.
This painting was later published with permission from Queen Elizabeth II. It appeared in a book called The Maid of Arran in 2021.
Lady Abercromby also showed her art at the Royal Academy in 1898. Her portrait of Benjamin Jowett was considered very lifelike. Letters suggest they were good friends.
Lady Abercromby passed away on December 8, 1915. She did not have any children.
Lady Abercromby's Legacy
Lady Abercromby's paintings are part of important national collections in Britain. You can find her artwork at the National Portrait Gallery. Her works are also at Balliol College, Oxford and the Britannia Royal Naval College.
