Mary Davis (artist) facts for kids

Mary Davis (born Mary Halford, 1866–1941) was a talented British artist. She was especially famous for designing and painting beautiful fans. She was also known as Lady Davis because her husband, Edmund Davis, was a knight.

Mary Davis: An Artist's Journey

Mary Davis was born in London, England, in 1866. She studied art at the Ridley Art School. Mary became known for her landscape paintings and her unique painted fans.

Exhibiting Her Work

Mary Davis showed her art in many important places. From 1886, her paintings and fans were displayed at the Royal Academy in London. This was a very famous art show. She also exhibited her work at the Paris Salon in France starting in 1898.

In 1914, Mary had a special art show in New York. She displayed her work alongside another famous fan artist, Charles Conder. Later, in 1919, Mary shared an exhibition called Pictures, Portraits, Fans and Frivolities. This show was at the Fine Art Society in London. She exhibited with two other artists, Laura Anning Bell and Constance Rea.

Mary Davis also showed her art at other well-known galleries. These included the Leicester Galleries and the Grosvenor Gallery. She also exhibited with groups like the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Today, the Tate gallery in London has one of her beautiful painted fans.

The Davis Art Collection

In 1889, Mary Halford married Edmund Davis. He became a knight in 1927, which is why Mary was known as Lady Davis. Edmund Davis had become very wealthy from mining in South Africa.

Building a Great Collection

When the couple settled in London, they started collecting art. They gathered a huge collection of paintings. This included works by very old and famous artists, called Old Masters, like Canaletto and Rembrandt. They also collected art from more modern artists, such as Whistler.

In 1915, the public could see their amazing art collection. It was displayed at the French Gallery. The Davises also asked artists, including Charles Conder, to decorate their homes. They owned a home in Holland Park and also Chilham Castle. They owned Chilham Castle until after Edmund's death in 1939.

Sharing Their Art

Over time, the Davises gave many artworks from their collection to public galleries. They donated pieces to the Iziko South African National Gallery in South Africa. They also gave art to the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris, France. Some of their collection was also given to the Tate gallery in London.