446. NELLIE JOSHUA (1877-1960). HEATHERLEY'S ART SCHOOL, c.1902.

Oil on canvas
60 x 50cm.
Exhibited: London, Barbican Art Gallery, The Edwardian Era, November 1987-February 1988, no 56. Page 40 in catalogue.

Heatherley’s, founded in 1845, is one of the oldest independent art schools in London and was the first to admit women to the life room on equal terms with men. In Joshua’s closely observed work she depicts the school’s large collection of historical dress, ceramics and armour which formed a costume studio for the use of students. One of the two students depicted - both wearing matching painting smocks in hues of blue - is likely to be a self-portrait.