Kathleen Isabella Mackie facts for kids

Kathleen Isabella Mackie (born 22 July 1899 – died 8 May 1996) was a talented Irish painter. She was chosen as an Associate of the Ulster Academy of Arts and showed her artwork at the famous Paris Salon. Beyond art, Kathleen was a founding member of the Ulster Gliding Club and a friend of the pioneering pilot, Amy Johnson.

Early Life and Education

Kathleen Isabella Metcalfe was born in Knock, Belfast, Ireland, in 1899. She was the oldest of three children. Kathleen went to school at Richmond Lodge in Belfast. She also studied at Highcliffe School for a year. From 1916 to 1919, she attended Alexandra College in Dublin.

In her first year at Alexandra College, Kathleen tied for first place in an art competition. Famous artists Sarah Purser and Richard Caulfield Orpen were the judges. She was also asked to design posters to help raise money for World War I. These posters were displayed at Amiens Street Station.

Art School and Early Success

After college, Kathleen returned to Belfast. She took private art lessons with Jessie Douglas. In 1921, she joined the Belfast School of Art. There, she studied under Alfred Rawlings Baker. Rawlings introduced her to John Lavery, a very important artist in Belfast. Kathleen also joined the 1910 Sketching Club. This is where she met other artists like Frank McKelvey and Percy French.

Kathleen continued to find success in her art. In 1921, she won a prize in the Royal Dublin Society's Taylor Art Awards. This award allowed her to study at the Royal Academy Schools in London. The next year, she won the Taylor Award again. She also won a British scholarship, which she kept for two more years. In London, Kathleen learned from famous artists like William Orpen, Walter Sickert, and George Clausen.

In 1924, Kathleen's art was chosen for a special exhibition. Her work was shown alongside pieces by John Lavery and Paul Henry. This exhibition was part of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. Later in 1924, Kathleen returned to the Belfast School of Art. She also opened her own art studio. Her student painting, The Market, was shown at the 1925 Paris Salon in Paris.

Exhibitions and Recognition

From 1922 to 1947, Kathleen showed her paintings with the Water Colour Society of Ireland. She was encouraged by artist Eileen Reid. She also exhibited her work with the Royal Academy and the Royal Hibernian Academy.

In April 1926, Kathleen married her cousin, Jack Mackie. He owned an engineering company. They had three sons. Even though her art work slowed down, she still sent paintings to exhibitions. In 1936, she became an Associate of the Ulster Academy of Arts. She showed more than sixty paintings there over 39 years. Kathleen also supported her husband's work for charities. She helped with local causes, like serving on a hospital committee.

Later Life and Rediscovery

For many years, Kathleen Mackie was a forgotten artist. She didn't show her work for about twenty-five years. Then, her son Paddy made an exciting discovery. He found many of her paintings in an apple loft at her home. This discovery led to Kathleen's first solo art show. It happened at the Castle Espie Gallery when she was 86 years old.

Just a few weeks before she passed away, the Ulster Museum held a big show of her artwork. Kathleen was too ill to attend, but it was a wonderful tribute.

Beyond Art: Gliding and Friendship

Kathleen Mackie was also a very active person. She loved sailing, fishing, and skiing. In 1927, she started gliding. She and her husband were founding members of the Ulster Gliding Club. Kathleen became good friends with Amy Johnson, a famous pilot. Amy Johnson visited the Ulster Gliding Club in 1938. Kathleen continued to fly gliders until she was almost 80 years old.

Kathleen Mackie passed away at her home in County Down in 1996. She was survived by her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her paintings are now in many private collections. Some of her work is also in the collection of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts.