Gwen John was born in Haverfordwest and grew up in Tenby, the elder sister of the painter Augustus John. She studied at the Slade and moved to France in 1904, where she modelled for Rodin and became his lover. She lived quietly in Meudon near Paris, painting calm, closely toned portraits of women, nuns and her own rooms. Long overshadowed by her brother, she is now seen as one of the finest British painters of her time.
© Gwen JohnPublic Domain Mark Gwen John
Painter; quiet portraits and interiors
- Born
- 22 June 1876, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
- Died
- 18 September 1939, Dieppe, France
Where to see their work
-
Gwen John: Strange Beauties, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Modern Two, Edinburgh
Until 4 January 2027
-
Neighbours: Borders, Bodies, Belonging, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea
Opens Friday 16 October, until Sun 3 Jan
Always on show
- National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff
Rue Terre Neuve, Meudon, Gallery 22
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Modern Two, Edinburgh
A Young Nun and other paintings
Further reading: Wikipedia