Effie Gray (Lady Millais)
(1828-1897), Former wife of John Ruskin, and later wife of Sir John Everett MillaisEuphemia ('Effie') Chalmers (née Gray), Lady Millais
Sitter in 3 portraits
Born Euphemia Chalmers Gray in Perth, Scotland, she married John Ruskin on 10 April 1848, who wrote The King of The Golden River (1841) especially for her. From 1851, Ruskin became a patron of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and Effie modelled for John Millais's painting Order of Release (1852-3). At the end of June 1853, they travelled to the Scottish Highlands, where Millais painted Ruskin's portrait at Glenfilas. Effie left Ruskin for Millais on 25 April 1854, and successfully sought an annulment, causing a major public scandal. She married Millais on 3 July 1855 and they went on to have eight children together.
More on Effie Gray: Pre-Raphaelite Sisters exhibition catalogue in our Shops | The Pre-Raphaelite Circle book in our Shops
by Thomas Richmond
oil on board, arched top, 1851
NPG 5160
by Herbert Watkins
albumen print, late 1850s
NPG P301(37)
by John & Charles Watkins
albumen carte-de-visite, 1861
NPG Ax38168
Related People
- Sir Albert Gray (brother)
- Effie Gray James (née Millais) (daughter)
- Sir Geoffroy William Millais, 4th Bt (son)
- Sir John Everett Millais, 1st Bt (husband)
- John Guille Millais (son)
- Mary Millais (daughter)
- Raoul Millais (grandson)
- John Ruskin (husband)
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Patricia E Smith
07 July 2015, 02:19
Isn't Madeline the daughter-in-law? She married Geoffrey William (1863-1941) Effie's son.