Lady Mary Rennell facts for kids

Lady Mary Rennell (born Mary Constance Vivian Smith, 1901–1981) was a talented English artist. She mostly created art using pencils, chalk, and oil paints.

Early Life and Education

Mary Rennell was the daughter of the first Lord Bicester. She was taught at home by special teachers. When she was 17, she started studying art part-time. This was at the famous Slade School of Fine Art. For a few months, she also helped care for soldiers wounded in World War I. This was before the war ended on November 11, 1918.

After finishing art school, Mary shared an art studio. Her studio partner was Diana Walton in Kennington, London. In 1928, Mary married Francis Rodd. He was an explorer, a diplomat (someone who works with other countries), and a writer. Mary and Francis had four daughters together.

Art and Travel

In the 1930s, Mary Rennell became involved with a group called the "Oxford Group." This group later became known as the Moral Re-armament Association (MRA). Mary was a very active member of this group for 18 years.

In 1940, during World War II, Mary took her children to America. She wanted to keep them safe from the war in London. Before returning to Britain in 1943, she had her own art show in New York. She showed many of her drawings there.

In 1952, Mary Rennell became a Catholic. From that year on, she traveled a lot with her husband. She held more art shows in Australia in 1968. These shows were in the cities of Perth and Melbourne. She also often showed her art in London. Her work was displayed at places like the Royal Society of British Artists, The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, and the Royal Academy.

Artistic Style and Legacy

At first, Mary Rennell mostly painted landscapes using oil paints. Later, she started drawing with ink on a special kind of paper called rice paper.

Today, seven of Mary Rennell's artworks are part of the Tate museum's collection. This collection includes prints and drawings. The Arts Council of Wales and the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth also have examples of her beautiful work.