Reproduction classic paintings painted in oil on canvas - Allingham

Helen Allingham (British painter) 1848 - 1926

Helen showed a talent for art from an early age, drawing some of her inspiration from her maternal grandmother Sarah Smith Herford and her aunt Laura Herford, both accomplished artists of their time.

She first studied art for three years at the Birmingham School of Design (founded in 1843), then from 1867 attended the "Female School of Art", a section of which became the Royal College of Art in London. While studying at the Royal College, Helen worked as an illustrator, before deciding to drop out in favor of a full-time artistic career.

She paints for books for children and adults, including a prestigious commission to illustrate "Far from the Madding Crowd" by Thomas Hardy and for periodicals, including The Graphic newspaper. She became a lifelong friend of Kate Greenaway whom she met during evening art classes at the Slade School of Fine Art.

On August 22, 1874, she married William Allingham, Irish poet and editor of Fraser's Magazine, almost twice her age. After her marriage, she abandoned illustration and turned to watercolour.

Both William and Helen Allingham were keenly aware of the current views expressed by John Ruskin and William Morris regarding the future of the nation's historic buildings and natural landscape, and his paintings reflect this concern. Every building that appears in his paintings actually existed, and his meticulous attention to detail makes his works a vital record of vernacular buildings, many of which still exist today. She became the first woman to be admitted as a full member of the Royal Watercolor Society.