Mary Cockburn Mercer facts for kids

Mary Cockburn Mercer (born 1882, died 1963) was a talented Australian painter. She spent many years living and working in Europe. Later, she returned to Melbourne, Australia, in the 1940s. Her final years were spent back in France. Mary Mercer showed her art with the Contemporary Art Society in Australia.

Mary Cockburn Mercer's Life

Mary Cockburn Mercer was born in Almerston, Scotland, on April 19, 1882. She grew up in Victoria, Australia. After World War I, Mary moved to Paris, France. She lived in a famous art area called Montparnasse. There, she met many well-known artists. These included Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. She also traveled to Italy, Spain, and even Tahiti!

In 1938, Mary came back to Australia. She settled in the city of Melbourne. She became friends with other artists there. These included George Bell and Lina Bryans. She also reconnected with Janet Cumbrae Stewart. They had first met in Paris in the 1920s. While in Melbourne, Mary took art classes from George Bell. Later, she taught art in her own studio. Her students included Colin McCahon and Lina Bryans.

During the 1940s, Mary Mercer showed her paintings. She exhibited them at the Contemporary Art Society in Melbourne.

In 1953, Mary Mercer returned to France. She passed away there on August 14, 1963.

Mary Mercer's Artistic Legacy

Mary Cockburn Mercer's art continues to be remembered. In 2017 and 2018, her work was part of a special art show. This show was called Intrepid Women – Australian women artists in Paris 1900-1950. It was put on by the Australian National Trust.