Sophie Pemberton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophie Pemberton
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| Born | February 13, 1869 |
| Died | October 31, 1959 (aged 90) |
| Resting place | Ross Bay Cemetery |
| Known for | painter |
Sophie Pemberton (born February 13, 1869, died October 31, 1959) was an important Canadian painter. She is known as British Columbia's first professional woman artist. This was a big achievement because it was harder for women to become professional artists back then.
In 1899, Sophie was the first Canadian woman to win a special award called the Prix Julian. She won it from the Académie Julian in Paris for her amazing portraits. She lived in the same city as another famous artist, Emily Carr, for much of her life.
Contents
Sophie's Life Story
Sophie was born in Victoria, British Columbia. Her dad, Joseph Despard Pemberton, was a successful businessman. He was also the first Surveyor-General of Vancouver Island.
Early Art Studies
Sophie started learning art at Mrs. Cridge’s Reformed Episcopal School. She wanted to be a professional artist. When she was only 13, she showed her first painting in a local contest. She received an honorable mention, which helped start her art career.
In 1890, Sophie traveled to London, England, to study art. She went to the South Kensington School of Art. She was a very good student and got top grades in drawing. She also studied at the Slade School of Art.
While in London, she shared a studio with a Swedish artist named Anna Nordgren. They even went on a sketching trip together to Brittany, France.
Studying in Paris
Later, in the late 1890s, Sophie studied at the famous Académie Julian in Paris, France. Her teachers were well-known artists like Jean Paul Laurens.
In 1899, she made history! Sophie was the first woman to win the Prix Julian. This was a gold medal given for the best artwork from all 27 student art studios in Paris. After her time in Europe, she also studied art in San Francisco.
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Her Art Style
Sophie painted at a time when art was mostly a man's world. Her paintings show influences from British and European art. She was good at painting both people and landscapes.
Her work was shown at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1897. This made her the first artist from British Columbia to get international recognition.
Teaching and Community Work
Sophie also taught painting to other women artists in Victoria. In 1909, she helped decorate the Pemberton Memorial Chapel. Her family gave this chapel to Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital.
Art Exhibitions
Sophie's art was shown in many places. She had exhibitions at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 1895 and 1910. Her work was also shown at the Royal Academy of Arts in London several times.
She showed her paintings at the Paris Salon in 1899, 1900, and 1903. Her painting Little Boy Blue received an honorable mention there in 1899. She also exhibited in Victoria and Vancouver.
In 1904, her work was part of the Canadian exhibition at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (the St. Louis World's Fair). She also showed her art at the Doré Gallery in London in 1909.
Later in her life, special shows of her work were held. One was at the Vancouver Art Gallery in 1954. Another was at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in 1967.
Sophie lived in both England and Victoria, Canada, for many years. From 1947 until she passed away in 1959, she lived in Victoria.
Art Groups and Memberships
Sophie was elected as an associate member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1906. She was also a member of the B.C. Society of Fine Arts.
Sophie's Family Life
In 1905, Sophie married Canon Arthur Beanlands, who was an Anglican priest. They traveled to India together. He passed away in 1917.
In 1920, she married Horace Deane-Drummond.
Her Passing
Sophie Pemberton passed away on October 31, 1959, in Victoria. She was buried in the Ross Bay Cemetery there.
