(1905 - 1990)
Etching signed in pencil by the Artist
Titled: "Playing Marbles" ca. 1923
h. 5 in. by w. 7 in.
Archivally framed and matted
Eileen Soper, born in 1905 in Enfield, Middlesex, England, was the daughter of the esteemed British artist and printmaker George Soper. Commencing her artistic tutelage at the age of fifteen, under her father's guidance in the art of etching, Eileen exhibited her initial significant collection of etchings at the distinguished Print Makers Society of California. Her artwork garnered instantaneous acclaim, leading to her historic acceptance as the youngest artist at the Royal Academy's Summer exhibition in 1921.
Specializing in depictions of children at play, Eileen's work is renowned for its meticulous line work, effective composition, and technical prowess. When Eileen was twenty years old, Queen Mary acquired a selection of her works for the Queen's personal collection, further cementing Eileen's status as a talented young artist of note. Proficient in etchings, aquatints, and woodcuts, she frequently showcased her creations at renowned institutions like the Royal Academy, the Royal Watercolour Association, and the Royal Society of British Artists.
A member of prestigious artistic societies, including the Royal Society of Painters and Etchers, the Royal Miniature Society, and the Society of Wildlife Artists, Eileen's impact extended globally, with her works housed in private and public collections and national art galleries worldwide.
In 1921, Eileen marked a historic moment at the Royal Academy by solidifying her artistic presence. Following successful ventures in the American art market, her 'Flying Swings' etching, acquired by Queen Mary in 1924, underscored her ability to capture the pure essence of childhood joy. Transitioning to watercolor illustration, In Eileen's later work, notably as the illustrator for Enid Blyton's Famous Five series, she continued to encapsulate the vitality of children's adventures through her meticulous detail and nuanced understanding.
Eileen Soper's legacy as a consummate artist, storyteller, and interpreter of childhood, endures to this day. It can be said that her works serve as a bridge between art and the timeless imagination and inquisitiveness of youth.
Eileen Alice Soper, RMS, RSPE, SWLA died in 1990 at the age of 85 years.
Updated July 5, 2024 |
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