Ancilla with an Orange

Artist

Dod Procter

Born in Hampstead, United Kingdom

Early Life and Education

Born: Doris Margaret Shaw, 21 April 1890, Hampstead, United Kingdom

Died: 31 July 1972

Nationality: English

Her father was a ship's doctor and her mother a former art student.

The family moved to Tavistock, Cornwall in 1907.

She enrolled at the School of Painting run by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes in Newlyn at age 15.

Met Laura Knight, who became a lifelong friend and influence.

Studied at Atelier Colarossi in Paris alongside Ernest Procter.

Artistic Development and Influences

Influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements.

Mentored by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes.

Inspired by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.

Developed a distinctive style characterized by sensual portraits of women and Cornish landscapes.

Early works included illustrated "Nature Notes" sent to her father at sea.

Major Works and Achievements

Morning (1927): Her most famous work, a portrait of a fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation and was bought by the Daily Mail for the Tate Gallery.

Early Morning: A smaller version of "Morning" held by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.

Series of simplified, monumental images of young women (c. 1922).

Commissioned to decorate the Kokine Palace in Rangoon with her husband Ernest Procter.

Exhibited at the Royal Academy on numerous occasions.

Awarded "Picture of the Year" at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1927 for “Morning”.

Later Life and Legacy

After Ernest's death in 1935, she travelled extensively to the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Africa.

Became President of St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in 1966.

Member of several artists organizations including the Newlyn School.

Buried next to her husband at St Hilary Church, Cornwall.

Her work is recognized for its evocative portrayal of Cornish life and its contribution to early twentieth-century British art.

Historical Significance

A prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists.

Known for her unique vision and style that captured a sense of modernity.

Her portrait "Morning" is considered a significant work of 20th-century British art, praised for its “sensuous but sombre style” and depiction of Cornish light.

Contributed to the development of portraiture in Britain during the early 20th century.

Museum

Royal West of England Academy

On show in Bristol, United Kingdom

A Sanctuary of British Artistry in Bristol

Nestled within the elegant enclave of Bristol’s Clifton district, the

Royal West of England Academy

stands as a profound testament to over 175 years of artistic devotion. To step through its doors is to enter a sanctuary where the weight of British tradition meets the vibrant pulse of contemporary innovation. The Academy emerged from the vision of

Ellen Sharples

, evolving from the Bristol Society of Artists into one of the United Kingdom’s most enduring regional bastions of fine art. This institution has long been a movement in itself, bolstered by early support from luminaries such as

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

and

Prince Albert

, transforming a local collective focused on picturesque landscapes into a prestigious home for diverse creative expressions.

The architectural grandeur of the Academy serves as a magnificent prelude to the treasures held within. Housed in a spectacular Grade II* listed building, the facade commands attention with its imposing presence and classical grace. As one approaches, the eye is drawn to Corinthian pilates and shell-heavened niches, where statues of legendary sculptors like

John Flaxman

and

Sir Joshua Reynolds

keep watch over the entrance. The subtle carvings of the

Three Graces

lend an ethereal quality to the stone, hinting at the beauty awaiting inside. Upon crossing the threshold, visitors are greeted by a world of refined elegance; colored marble floors gleam under soft light, and a meticulously crafted replica of the

Parthenon Frieze

adorns the walls, grounding the space in the timeless ideals of classical antiquity.

A Tapestry of Movement and Mastery

The collection itself is a breathtaking tapestry of British art history, offering a journey through shifting aesthetics and profound cultural movements. For the collector or the designer seeking narrative depth, the Academy provides an unparalleled look at the evolution of British identity through paint and form. The works celebrate a wide spectrum of styles, including:

The atmospheric depictions of the

Newlyn School

, which captured the rugged, salt-sprayed essence of Cornish fishing life.

The abstract, light-drenched energy of the

St Ives School

.

The delicate floral contemplations of

Elizabeth Blackadder

.

The spirited, personality-filled still lifes of

Mary Fedden

.

The psychological complexity found in the works of

Carel Weight

.

The evocative, storied terrains rendered by

Bernard Dunstan

.

Beyond its permanent holdings, the Academy thrives as a dynamic center for creative dialogue and education. Its renowned Open Exhibitions serve as a vital stage where seasoned professionals and emerging talents converge, fostering a unique connection between artists and the public. This spirit of engagement extends to the

RWA Drawing School

, which continues the Academy's long-standing commitment to the mastery of craft and skill development. Whether one is drawn to the historical resonance of its halls or the technical brilliance of its canvases, the Royal West of England Academy remains an essential destination—a place where every brushstroke tells a story and every visitor finds inspiration.