Frances Hodgkins

Frances Mary Hodgkins (1869 –1947) was a painter chiefly of landscape and still life, and for a short period was a designer of textiles. She was born in New Zealand but spent most of her working life in Britain.

She is considered one of New Zealand's most prestigious and influential painters, although it is the work from her life in Europe, rather than her home country, on which her reputation rests.

In Europe, Hodgkins held her first solo show at the Paterson's Gallery in London in 1907 and moved to Paris in 1908. In 1910 she began teaching in Paris at Colarossi's academy as the first woman to be appointed instructor in the school. She also founded the School for Water Color.

A Peasant Family By Frances Mary Hodgkins

During World War I she spent some time in Zennor, Cornwall, where she worked with the Swansea painter, Cedric Morris.

Because of World War II she spent the rest of her life in Britain. She continued to paint into her seventies, despite suffering from rheumatism and bronchitis. She died in Dorchester, Dorset on 13 May 1947. When she died she was regarded as one of Britain’s leading artists.