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  • Dame Laura Knight

Dame Laura Knight

1877–1970

The Gypsy exhibited 1939
© Tate
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Biography

Dame Laura Knight (née Johnson; 4 August 1877 – 7 July 1970) was an English artist who worked in oils, watercolours, etching, engraving and drypoint. Knight was a painter in the figurative, realist tradition, who embraced English Impressionism. In her long career, Knight was among the most successful and popular painters in Britain. Her success in the male-dominated British art establishment paved the way for greater status and recognition for women artists.

In 1929 she was created a Dame, and in 1936 became the third woman elected to full membership of the Royal Academy. Her large retrospective exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1965 was the first for a woman. Knight was known for painting amidst the world of the theatre and ballet in London, and for being a war artist during the Second World War. She was also greatly interested in, and inspired by, marginalised communities and individuals, including Romani people and circus performers.

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Artworks

  • Dame Laura Knight Spring

    1916–20
  • Dame Laura Knight The Gypsy

    exhibited 1939

Sketches, letters, etc.

  • Dame Laura Knight, recipient: Dame Eileen Mayo Letter from Laura Knight to Eileen Mayo

    [c.29 October 1927]
  • Dame Laura Knight, recipient: Dame Eileen Mayo Drawing of female nude

    20 December 1931
  • Dame Laura Knight, recipient: Dame Eileen Mayo Letter from Laura Knight to Eileen Mayo

    date not known
  • Dame Laura Knight, recipient: Dame Eileen Mayo Drawing of female figure with leg raised

    date not known

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