Rosalind Birnie Philip facts for kids

Rosalind Birnie Philip (born November 14, 1873 – died February 6, 1958) was a very important person in the life of the famous artist James McNeill Whistler. She was his sister-in-law. After her sister Beatrice passed away in 1896, Rosalind became Whistler's secretary. She also became the person in charge of his belongings and art after he died, as stated in his will.

Rosalind's Early Life

Rosalind Birnie Philip was born in Chelsea, London, on November 14, 1873. She was the youngest of ten children. Her father, John Birnie Philip, was a sculptor. Her mother was Frances Black.

Family Connections

Rosalind's sister, Beatrice, married James McNeill Whistler in 1888. Beatrice had been married before to Edward William Godwin. Another sister, Ethel Whibley, worked as Whistler's secretary from 1890 to 1894. She later married the writer Charles Whibley.

The family had fun nicknames for each other. Whistler called Beatrice 'Trixie' or 'Chinkie'. He also called her 'Luck' and 'Wam'. Ethel was called 'Bunnie'. Charles Whibley was 'Wobbles'. Rosalind herself was known as the 'Major'. Whistler would sign his family letters as the 'General' or with his special butterfly signature.

Becoming Whistler's Assistant

In 1896, when Rosalind was 22, her sister Beatrice died from cancer. Whistler then made Rosalind his legal ward. This meant he was responsible for her. In his will, he named her as the person who would manage his estate after his death.

Rosalind worked as his secretary. She also posed for him as a model for his paintings. From 1902, she took care of Whistler's home in Chelsea. Her mother also lived with them.

Protecting Whistler's Story

Around 1900, Whistler's publisher, William Heinemann, wanted to write a book about the artist's life. Whistler did not like the first people suggested. But he agreed that Joseph Pennell and Elizabeth Robins Pennell could write his biography.

Their book, The Life of James McNeill Whistler, came out in 1908. However, Rosalind, who was in charge of Whistler's estate, tried to stop it from being published. She felt it was not good enough. Rosalind saw it as her job to protect Whistler's good name. Whistler himself once said he did not want "any mendacious scamp" telling "foolish truths" about him. This shows how much he cared about his public image.

Whistler's Art Collection

After Whistler died in 1903, Rosalind inherited all his belongings. She continued to collect his letters. She also bought more of his prints to add to his art collection.

Gifts to the University

In 1938, Rosalind made her first big gift to the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery at the University of Glasgow. She gave them many of Whistler's important paintings. She also gave them prints, pastels, and drawings.

In 1955, she gave the University even more. This time, it was a collection of Whistler's letters and books. After Rosalind passed away in 1958, the rest of her collection went to the University. This included more of Whistler's paintings, drawings, and writings.

Rosalind as an Artist's Model

Rosalind appeared in several of Whistler's artworks.

Paintings

• The Black Hat - Miss Rosalind Birnie Philip (Y535): In this painting, Rosalind is shown from the side, with her face turned slightly away.
• The Jade Necklace: Portrait of Rosalind Birnie Philip (YSM 478)
• Miss Rosalind Birnie Philip standing (YMSM 479); also (YMSM 480; 553).

Drawings

Rosalind Birnie Philip (M1705).

Lithographs

(K71, 113; L189).