Vivien John facts for kids

Vivien John (born March 8, 1915 – died May 20, 1994) was a British artist. She was well-known for her beautiful paintings.

Vivien John's Early Life and Art Training

Vivien John was born in a place called Alderney Manor in Dorset, England. Her parents were Dorelia McNeill and the famous artist Augustus John. Vivien was the youngest of their four children.

Learning to Paint

Vivien grew up in Dorset. She started her art journey at the Slade School of Fine Art. She studied there from 1932 to 1934. In 1935, she had her very first art show in London. It was at the Cooling Gallery. Later, in the late 1930s, she also studied with a group of artists called the Euston Road School.

Travels and Family Connections

Vivien loved to travel. She went with her father to Italy and France. They even visited Kingston in Jamaica. There, they had an art show together, displaying their paintings. During this time, Vivien also spent time in Paris. She visited her aunt, who was also an artist named Gwen John.

Life During and After World War II

During the Second World War, Vivien John helped people. She worked as a nurse for the Red Cross. This organization helps people during wars and disasters.

Continuing Her Art Education

As the war was ending, Vivien went back to studying art. She took lessons in Paris at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. In 1945, she returned to London. There, she continued her art studies at the Chelsea School of Art.

Later Life and Exhibitions

After the war, Vivien married a doctor named John White. In 1947, they lived in Moscow. In the 1960s, they spent time in Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. Vivien kept painting throughout her life.

Showcasing Her Art

Vivien had many art shows. In 1967, her work was shown at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. She also had a solo exhibition in 1971. This show was at the Upper Grosvenor Galleries. Her paintings were part of group shows too. These included exhibitions at the Royal Academy and with the London Group. She also showed her art with the Women's International Art Club.

Remembering Her Work

In 1987, some of Vivien's art was in an exhibition called Slade Contemporaries. After she passed away, a special show was held in 1995 to remember her work.