Artist
Born in Hampstead, United Kingdom
Early Life and Education
Born: Doris Margaret Shaw, 21 April 1890, Hampstead, United Kingdom
Died: 31 July 1972
Nationality: English
Her father was a ship's doctor and her mother a former art student.
The family moved to Tavistock, Cornwall in 1907.
She enrolled at the School of Painting run by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes in Newlyn at age 15.
Met Laura Knight, who became a lifelong friend and influence.
Studied at Atelier Colarossi in Paris alongside Ernest Procter.
Artistic Development and Influences
Influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements.
Mentored by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes.
Inspired by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.
Developed a distinctive style characterized by sensual portraits of women and Cornish landscapes.
Early works included illustrated "Nature Notes" sent to her father at sea.
Major Works and Achievements
Morning (1927): Her most famous work, a portrait of a fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation and was bought by the Daily Mail for the Tate Gallery.
Early Morning: A smaller version of "Morning" held by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
Series of simplified, monumental images of young women (c. 1922).
Commissioned to decorate the Kokine Palace in Rangoon with her husband Ernest Procter.
Exhibited at the Royal Academy on numerous occasions.
Awarded "Picture of the Year" at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1927 for “Morning”.
Later Life and Legacy
After Ernest's death in 1935, she travelled extensively to the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Africa.
Became President of St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in 1966.
Member of several artists organizations including the Newlyn School.
Buried next to her husband at St Hilary Church, Cornwall.
Her work is recognized for its evocative portrayal of Cornish life and its contribution to early twentieth-century British art.
Historical Significance
A prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists.
Known for her unique vision and style that captured a sense of modernity.
Her portrait "Morning" is considered a significant work of 20th-century British art, praised for its “sensuous but sombre style” and depiction of Cornish light.
Contributed to the development of portraiture in Britain during the early 20th century.
Museum
On show in Penzance, United Kingdom
A Sanctuary of Cornish Light and Victorian Artistry
Nestled within the tranquil, verdant embrace of Penlee Park in Penzance, Penlee House Gallery & Museum stands as a luminous beacon of West Cornwall’s cultural soul. Originally conceived in 1865 as a lavish Victorian residence for the wealthy Branwell family, the estate’s stately façade reflects an era defined by profound artistic ambition and refined taste. To walk through its doors is to step into a narrative interwoven with remembrance; the building itself serves as a poignant memorial to those lost during World War II, lending an atmosphere of quiet contemplation to its halls. The architecture, a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and understated elegance, provides a sophisticated backdrop that invites both the casual visitor and the discerning collector to lose themselves in the beauty of the past.
The heart of the museum beats most vibrantly through its incomparable collection of the Newlyn School. This collective of artists, drawn to the dramatic coastline and the unparalleled, mercurial quality of Cornish light, revolutionized British landscape painting during the late Victorian period. Their work is not merely a representation of scenery but an emotional immersion into the essence of the region. One cannot help but be moved by the atmospheric perspective in Norman Garstin’s
The Rain It Raineth Every Day
, which captures the very breath of a Cornish storm, or the sun-drenched vitality found in Elizabeth Forbes’
School is Out
. These masterpieces, characterized by their sensitivity to rural life and immediacy of technique, offer interior designers and art lovers alike a window into a world where light and tradition are eternally entwined.
Beyond the evocative canvases of the Newlyn and Lamorna colonies, Penlee House offers a rich tapestry of maritime and local history that deepens the visitor's connection to the landscape. The museum’s scope extends into the tactile realms of sculpture and the intricate beauty of Cornish ceramics, showcasing the exceptional skill of regional craftspeople. For those fascinated by the sea, the exhibits dedicated to the Royal Marines of Lyonesse provide a gripping glimpse into Cornwall’s seafaring prowess and naval heritage. This intersection of fine art and historical artifact creates a unique museum experience where the maritime identity of the coast meets the delicate artistry of the studio. It is a destination where history is not just studied, but felt through every weathered artifact and every brushstroke of light.
