Gertrude Jekyll

Sitterback to top

• Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), Horticulturalist and writer. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

• Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson (1872-1949), Artist. Artist associated with 29 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

As a young woman Gertrude Jekyll absorbed the principles of Arts and Crafts movement and worked as a painter, embroiderer and interior designer. She turned whole-heartedly to gardening and garden design after 1891 owing to her failing eyesight. Jekyll brought her artistic training, combined with deep knowledge as a plantswoman, to the three hundred or more gardens she designed and her writings further made her a crucial influence on modern gardening. This portrait, for which Jekyll was a most reluctant sitter, was commissioned by her great friend and collaborator, Sir Edwin Lutyens} and painted at her house in Munstead. Given by Edwin Lutyens.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Bennett, Sue, Five Centuries of Women and Gardens, 2000 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 October 2000 to 21 January 2001), p. 116
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 184
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 184
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 335

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Escape to Eden (5 October 2000 - 21 January 2001)

Subject/Themeback to top

• Eyeglasses and spectacles