Lucette Barker facts for kids

Lucette Elizabeth Barker was a talented British artist. She was born in 1816 and passed away in 1905. Lucette was known for painting people, everyday scenes, and animals. She even wrote her own life story!

Who Was Lucette Barker?

Lucette Elizabeth Barker was born in a place called Thirkleby in Yorkshire, England. Her father, Thomas Barker, was a church leader, and her mother was Jane Flower.

Early Life and Family

Lucette had three sisters. Two of her sisters also became artists, just like her! Her third sister became a composer, making music. Their father, Thomas Barker, taught his daughters how to paint and draw. He even arranged for them to have private art lessons. However, he didn't want them to work for money as artists.

Becoming an Artist

Even though her father didn't approve, Lucette Barker did take on paid jobs. She created pictures for a book in 1851 called The Fairy Godmothers and Other Tales. This book was written by Margaret Getty. Lucette also showed many of her paintings in public places.

Between 1853 and 1874, Lucette Barker displayed four of her paintings at the Royal Academy of Arts. This was a very important art place! She also showed one painting at the British Institution and others at places like the Dudley Gallery.

Later Life and Legacy

Lucette lived in Thirsk for a while. In 1855, she moved to London to live with her married sister, Laura. In London, Lucette spent time with other artists and famous people. She was part of the art scene around a place called Holland House. She met famous people like the actress Ellen Terry and the artist George Frederic Watts.

After the 1870s, Lucette Barker seemed to stop showing her art in public. But she kept painting! She made special books filled with drawings and watercolor paintings for her family and friends. Later, Lucette and her sister Laura, who was a widow, moved to Amersham. Lucette passed away there in 1905.