Marion Adnams facts for kids

Marion Elizabeth Adnams (born December 3, 1898 – died October 24, 1995) was a talented English artist. She was a painter, a printmaker, and a draughtswoman. Marion Adnams is famous for her surrealist paintings. In these artworks, she often put strange or unrelated objects together. These objects would appear in unusual places, often outdoors. Some of her paintings show landscapes and famous spots near her hometown of Derby.

About Marion Adnams

A surrealist painting by Marion Adnams.

Alter Ego, a painting from 1945 by Marion Adnams.

Marion Adnams was born in Derby, England, on December 3, 1898. She was the only daughter of John Frederick Adnams and Mary Elizabeth Smith. Her father was a woodwork teacher. He encouraged her artistic interests from a young age.

After finishing school, Marion wanted to study art. However, she was encouraged to study languages instead. She went to University College, Nottingham. In 1919, she earned a degree in Modern Languages.

Early Travels and Career

Between 1927 and 1930, Marion traveled to Belgium, France, and Italy. During her travels, she created woodcuts of the buildings she saw. She showed these woodcuts in exhibitions. Her work was well-received at places like Derby Art Gallery. She also exhibited with the Derby Women's Art Club.

Marion started her career as an art teacher. She taught at Derby's Central School for Girls. Later, she moved to Homelands Grammar School for Girls in 1937. In 1948, she became a senior lecturer at Derby Diocesan Training College. She eventually became the Head of Art there.

Surrealist Art and Exhibitions

From 1938 to 1970, Marion Adnams painted her most famous surrealist works. She showed her art at the British Art Centre in London. Her work was displayed alongside famous artists like Henry Moore and Max Ernst.

In 1939, Marion sold her first painting, The Living Tree. It was bought by Manchester Art Gallery. This painting was added to their collection for schools. Later, her paintings were also bought by Derby Art Gallery, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, and Nottingham Castle Museum. This helped her art become known to the public.

Later Life and Legacy

Marion Adnams retired in 1960 when she was 61 years old. This gave her more time to create art. She bought a second home in France. The landscapes of Provence and other areas inspired her new paintings and drawings. In 1966, she painted a series of murals for a church near Burton upon Trent.

In 1968, at the age of 70, Marion began to lose her eyesight. As her vision worsened, she could no longer paint. She passed away in Derby on October 24, 1995, at 96 years old. Her funeral was held at Derby Cathedral. She was buried in Nottingham Road Cemetery in Derby.

Exhibitions of Her Work

Marion Adnams' art has been shown in many exhibitions. These shows helped people discover her unique style. Here are some of the places where her work was displayed:

• 1939: First Exhibition of Paintings, Sculptures, and Watercolours by Members of the British Art Centre, London
• 1944: 'The World of Imagination' An Exhibition, London
• 1971: Marion Adnams: a Retrospective Exhibition, Nottingham
• 2009: Angels of Anarchy: Women Artists and Surrealism, at Manchester Art Gallery
• 2017-2018: Marion Adnams - A Singular Woman at Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby

Marion Adnams' Legacy

Marion Adnams' artwork is kept in many public art collections. These include Manchester Art Gallery, Salford Museums, and Nottingham Castle Museum. The largest collection of her work is held by the Derby Museums Trust.

In 2011, a famous British hat designer named Stephen Jones created a collection of hats. He called it Drifting and Dreaming. These hats were inspired by Marion Adnams' amazing artwork. Her unique vision continues to inspire artists today.

See also

• Women Surrealists