Letitia Bushe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Letitia Bushe
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Miniature of Bushe by Joseph Browne
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| Born | c. 1705 – c. 1710 Dangan, County Kilkenny, Ireland
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| Died | 17 November 1757 (aged 47/52) |
| Resting place | St Andrew's church, Dublin |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Parent(s) | Arthur and Mary Bushe |
Letitia Bushe was a talented Irish artist who lived in the 1700s. She was known for her beautiful watercolour paintings and tiny portrait miniatures. She was born around 1705 or 1710 and passed away on November 17, 1757.
Early Life and Artistic Journey
Letitia Bushe was born in Dangan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. Her father, Arthur Bushe, worked as a secretary for the government's revenue department. Her mother was Mary Bushe (née Forth).
Even though Letitia became a skilled artist, there is no clear record of her formal training. Some people think she might have had lessons from Bernard Lens or his sons. However, it's also possible she taught herself a lot, as her unique style stayed with her throughout her career.
Letitia was very good at conversation. This made her a popular choice as a companion for ladies. Because of this, she often taught painting to many women and their children. She was also good friends with famous people like Mary Delany, Jonathan Swift, and Anne Donnellan. Letitia lived in rooms on Dawson Street when she was not working as a companion. She passed away in these rooms in Dublin. She was buried the next day at St Andrew's church.
Friendship with Mary Delany
Letitia Bushe and Mary Delany became close friends in 1731. Letitia often stayed with Mary at her home. A small portrait of Letitia, painted by Joseph Browne, was even included in a book about Mary Delany's letters.
Much of what we know about Letitia's life comes from the letters she exchanged with Mary Delany. These letters show how close their friendship was. Mary Delany described Letitia as "a gay, good-humoured, innocent girl." She also said that Letitia "paints delightfully." Mary Delany herself painted a portrait of Letitia.
The two friends often worked on art projects together. Mary Delany mentioned Letitia drawing landscapes and helping to clean paintings at Mary's home, Delville House. Their friendship was very important to both of them.
Artistic Creations
Letitia Bushe was a very skilled artist. One of her famous paintings is A view of Bray (1736). This painting is now in the National Gallery of Ireland. It shows her talent for drawing landscapes and her sense of humor. She even included herself and a dog in the painting!
In 1743, Letitia visited England. While there, she painted a View of London from Hampstead Heath. She also created beautiful views of Bath and Bristol.
When she was in Ireland, Letitia painted many country houses and their gardens. She also made detailed drawings of old buildings and artifacts for Bishop Robert Clayton. Bishop Clayton was another friend of Mary Delany. Letitia's work helps us see what these places looked like long ago.
