Julie Vieusseux facts for kids
Julie Elizabeth Agnes Vieusseux (born August 4, 1820 – died March 11, 1878) was an important Australian artist and teacher. She started and ran the Vieusseux Ladies’ College in Melbourne. This school was open from 1857 until 1878.
Her Early Life
Julie Vieusseux was born in the Netherlands on August 4, 1820. Her father, Louis Emile Matthieu, was a Belgian army captain. Her mother was Catherine van de Winkle. Julie studied in Paris, France.
In 1849, she married Lewis Vieusseux. He was an English civil engineer, architect, and surveyor. Both Julie and Lewis came from French Huguenot families. In 1852, Julie moved to Melbourne, Australia. She traveled with her husband, their two sons, and her sister.
An Artist in Australia
Julie Vieusseux quickly became known as a painter in Australia. This was in the same year she arrived, 1852. Her husband went to the gold fields, but Julie stayed and showed her art.
She displayed her paintings at different events. One important event was the Victorian Society of Fine Arts in 1857. In December 1852, Julie received an award for her art. This was at the third Victorian Industrial Society Exhibition.
Starting a School for Girls
In 1857, Julie Vieusseux opened the Vieusseux Ladies’ College. Her school quickly became very popular. Many wealthy families sent their daughters there.
By 1863, the school had 103 students. This was a very large number for a girls' school in Australia at that time. The Vieusseux Ladies’ College was very successful while Julie Vieusseux was alive. After she passed away, the school closed four years later. The Presbyterian Ladies' College soon took its place.
