Ursula Wood (artist) facts for kids

Ursula Wood (born 1868, died 1925) was a talented British artist. She was known for her paintings and drawings. She is especially famous for showing the work of the Women's Land Army during World War One.

Early Life and Art Training

Ursula Wood grew up in North London. Her father was a lawyer. She had two older sisters and a twin sister named Mary. Her sister Catherine also became a painter. Ursula and Mary were good friends with writer Mary Vivian Hughes. Ursula even drew pictures for Mary Hughes' first book.

Ursula studied art at the St John's Wood Art School. She also trained at the Royal Academy schools. In 1889, she won a special award there. It was called the Turner Gold Medal. She also received a £50 scholarship for one of her landscape paintings.

Ursula showed her art in many places. She exhibited with the Society of Lady Artists in 1895. Her work was even mentioned positively in The Times newspaper. She worked with different art forms. These included oil paintings, woodcuts, and lithographs. She also decorated furniture. She even created a series of engravings showing views of Venice. Ursula ran a successful art studio in London with a partner.

Art During World War One

Girls of the Women's Forestry Corp, The Timber Camp, Hatfield, December 1918 (IWM:ART 2301)

When World War One started, Ursula closed her art business. She chose to volunteer and help with the war effort. She joined the Women's Forestry Corps. This was a part of the Women's Land Army. These women helped with important jobs like cutting timber.

While working at a forestry camp, Ursula kept painting. She created sketches of the women's work. In 1919, she contacted the Imperial War Museum. The museum was collecting art about women's roles in the war. Ursula offered them some of her sketches. The museum bought five of her drawings.

Exhibitions and Legacy

Ursula Wood showed her artwork in many important galleries. She exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1890 to 1922. She also showed her art at the Society of Women Artists. This was between 1892 and 1904. Her work was also seen in Scotland. She exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in 1900. In 1921, her art was shown at the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts.

Ursula Wood is remembered for her skill as an artist. She is especially known for capturing the spirit of the women who worked during World War One.