Violet Manners, Duchess of Rutland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duchess of Rutland
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Portrait of Violet Manners, Marchioness of Granby
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Marion Margaret Violet Lindsay
7 March 1856 |
| Died | 22 December 1937 (aged 81) Chapel Street, London
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| Resting place | Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire |
| Title | Marchioness of Granby Duchess of Rutland |
| Spouse(s) | Henry Manners, 8th Duke of Rutland |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) | Charles Lindsay Emilia Anne Browne |
Marion Margaret Violet Manners (born Lindsay) was a talented British artist and a noblewoman. She was born on March 7, 1856, and passed away on December 22, 1937. In 1882, she married Henry Manners. He later became the 8th Duke of Rutland, making her the Duchess of Rutland. Violet was also known as the Marchioness of Granby for many years. She had five children, including John Manners, who became the 9th Duke of Rutland, and the well-known socialite Lady Diana Cooper.
Even though she didn't have formal art training, the Duchess painted many portraits of her friends and family. Her artworks were shown in major art galleries in the UK, like the Grosvenor Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts. Violet was also an important member of "The Souls", a group of noble people who loved learning and new artistic ideas. She was known for her beauty and was often painted by other artists. After her oldest son Robert passed away in 1894, she started sculpting.
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Violet's Early Life and Family
Marion Margaret Violet Lindsay was born into a noble family on March 7, 1856. She was the youngest of three children and the only daughter. Her father was Charles Hugh Lindsay, and her mother was Emilia Anne Browne. Her family encouraged her interest in art from a young age.
Marriage and Later Life
When she was 26, Violet married Henry Manners on November 25, 1882. He was the only son and future heir of the 7th Duke of Rutland. Violet and Henry had different interests. Henry enjoyed hunting, while Violet preferred intellectual activities and art.
Henry became the Marquess of Granby in 1888. In 1906, he became the 8th Duke of Rutland, and Violet became the Duchess of Rutland. During World War I, the Duchess turned her London home into a hospital to help wounded soldiers. Her daughter Diana worked there as a nurse.
The Duke of Rutland passed away in 1925. Their second son, John, became the 9th Duke of Rutland. The Duchess of Rutland died on December 22, 1937, and was buried at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire.
Violet's Art Career
Violet was privately educated and her family supported her love for art. She didn't go to art school, but she spent a lot of time visiting Italy, which inspired her. In 1877, she showed her drawings and sculptures at the Grosvenor Gallery. She saw herself as a professional artist, but because of her social status, some people thought she was just doing art as a hobby.
Her best works were portraits of people in her social circle. During her lifetime, Violet's art was shown in major British art galleries like the Royal Academy of Arts and the New Gallery. Her work was also displayed in the US and France. In 1893, she exhibited her art at the Palace of Fine Arts in Chicago. People often praised her ability to capture beauty and elegance in her paintings.
Violet was a friend of the Scottish sculptor William Reid Dick. She helped him get many art jobs from wealthy families. After her oldest son passed away in 1894 when he was nine, Violet started sculpting to cope with her sadness. One of her sculptures was placed on his tomb at Belvoir Castle. She believed another statue, which showed her son and other family members, was her greatest work. This sculpture was kept in her London home until 1937, when the Tate Gallery acquired it. In 1900, she published a book called Portraits of Men and Women, which featured many of her portraits.
Violet was a key member of "The Souls", a group of noble people who enjoyed intellectual discussions and new artistic ideas. This group started in the 1880s and included famous people like Arthur Balfour. A women's magazine called The Lady's Realm described Violet as the "acknowledged 'queen' of the society." They said her beauty, artistic talent, and understanding of social issues made her a natural leader.
Violet was known for her beauty, just like her daughter Lady Diana. Many artists, including James Jebusa Shannon and George Frederic Watts, painted her. Historian K. D. Reynolds noted that her look was very popular with "The Souls" group. She had auburn hair, pale skin, and a slim figure, often dressed in soft, flowing clothes.
She had an art studio at the Rutland family estate, Bute House. After her husband passed away, Violet moved to London and built a new studio to continue her art. She kept showing her works until her death. Her last art exhibit was in November 1937, and she passed away the next month after an operation.
Violet's Children
The Duchess of Rutland had five children:
- Lady Victoria Marjorie Harriet Manners (1883–1946), who married Charles Paget, 6th Marquess of Anglesey.
- Robert Charles John Manners, Lord Haddon (1885–1894), who passed away young.
- John Henry Montagu Manners, 9th Duke of Rutland (1886–1940), who married Kathleen Tennant.
- Lady Violet Catherine Manners (1888–1971), who first married Hugo Charteris, Lord Elcho, and later Guy Benson.
- Lady Diana Olivia Winifred Maud Manners (1892–1986), who married Duff Cooper, 1st Viscount Norwich.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Violet Manners, Marchioness of Granby
See also
In Spanish: Violet Manners para niños
