Laurence Alma-Tadema facts for kids

Photograph, possibly during her 1907–1908 tour of the United States

Laurence Alma-Tadema (1865–1940), originally named Laurense Tadema, was an English writer. She wrote many different types of stories, poems, and plays in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Growing Up and Her Creative Home

Laurence Alma-Tadema was born in Brussels in 1865. Her father was a famous Dutch painter named Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Her mother was Marie-Pauline Gressin-Dumoulin. Laurence lived in a place called "The Fair Haven" in Wittersham, Kent, England. She loved music and plays. She even built a special hall for concerts and plays for the villagers and their children. She called it the "Hall of Happy Hours." Laurence never married. She passed away in a nursing home in London in 1940. Her stepmother, Lady Laura Theresa Alma-Tadema, and her sister, Anna Alma-Tadema, were also well-known artists.

Exploring Her Literary World

Laurence Alma-Tadema's first novel, Love's Martyr, came out in 1886. She wrote many collections of her own stories and poems. She also wrote two novels, songs, and works for the theater. She even translated books from other languages. Her writing often showed strong feelings. She was good at telling a lot in just a few words. She wrote for many magazines, including The Yellow Book. She also edited her own magazine. Some of her plays were very successful in Germany. One of her poems, "If No One Ever Marries Me," became famous. It was written in 1897. Later, in the 21st century, the singer Natalie Merchant performed it as a song. It was also part of musical scores in 1900 and 1922.

Her Work for Poland's Freedom

Laurence Alma-Tadema cared deeply about Poland. From 1915 to 1939, she was the secretary for the "Poland and the Polish Victims Relief Fund." This group helped people in Poland. She greatly admired Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a famous Polish musician and politician. She supported his music and his efforts to help Poland become an independent country. She wrote to him often from 1915 until the end of her life. Some of her important papers are kept at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford.

Touring America and Sharing Ideas

Laurence Alma-Tadema had ideas that were similar to socialism. In 1907, she traveled all over America. She gave talks called "The Meaning of Happiness," which were very popular. She also spoke about the difficult situation of Poland, which was divided at the time. She asked her audiences to show their support for Poland's cause.

Images for kids

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  Photograph, possibly during her 1907–1908 tour of the United States

See also

In Spanish: Laurence Alma-Tadema para niños