Mary Balfour Herbert facts for kids

Torc Bridge By Mary Balfour Herbert (1860)

Torc Waterfall By Mary Balfour Herbert (1860)

Mary Balfour Herbert (1817–1893) was a talented British artist. She was born Mary Balfour in 1817. Her parents were James Balfour, a member of Parliament, and Lady Eleanor Maitland.

Mary grew up in Whittingehame House in East Lothian, Scotland. She traveled a lot when she was a child. She took drawing lessons, but she did not have any other formal art training.

Mary's Life in Ireland

Mary met Henry Arthur Herbert in Rome and they married in September 1837. Henry's family owned the Muckross Estate. This estate was near Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland.

After their wedding, they moved to Torc Cottage on the estate. Mary loved Muckross because it reminded her of her childhood home in Scotland. She brought a large sum of money, called a dowry, to the marriage. This money helped them build a big new house.

Construction of the house started in 1839 and finished in 1843. This was just before a very difficult time in Ireland, known as the Great Famine.

Family Life and Challenges

Mary and Henry had four children. They were Eleanor, Henry Arthur, Charles, and Blanche. All their children were born abroad between 1839 and 1846.

Mary worked hard to help the people on their estate during the Great Famine. Many people faced hunger and hardship. Even though she lived in England at the time, she helped raise money for them.

Mary's Artistic Journey

Mary also spent time developing her skills as a watercolour artist. She practiced a lot and became very good. She painted many beautiful scenes of the Lakes of Killarney.

People recognized her talent. One newspaper, The Times, called her the "most gifted amateur in the kingdom" in 1861.

Royal Recognition

In 1861, Queen Victoria visited the Muckross estate with her family. As a special gift, Queen Victoria received several of Mary's paintings. This showed how much her art was appreciated.

Later Years and Legacy

Henry died in 1866 and was buried at Killegy graveyard near Muckross House. After his death, Mary moved back to England with her two daughters.

She was able to reconnect with many artist friends. These included Edward Burne-Jones, who was a close friend of the famous artist William Morris.

After her oldest daughter Eleanor married in 1871, Mary moved to Bellagio, Italy. This town is near Lake Como. She continued to create art there.

Mary died in London in 1893. She was buried next to her husband in Killegy graveyard. Today, the Muckross House has become a museum. The estate is now part of Killarney National Park.