Judith Ackland (1892-1971) and Mary Stella Edwards (1898-1989) were two English artists and painters. Edwards was also a poet. The two women first met while studying in London and became life partners, spending decades of their lives together in North Devon. Some of their art works, including a series of landscape paintings, are now part of RAMM’s collections.
On 15 July, members of the Out and About: Queering the Museum project team were joined by other researchers and writers to share their insights and examined different aspects of their life and work. Why were Ackland and Edwards so drawn to the rural landscapes and seascapes of Devon? How did they relate to other artists and writers of their time? What can we know about Ackland’s and Edwards’ relationship based on their writings and archive? What are their cultural legacies, and how have their lives been understood and framed so far?
The event was hosted by the Out and About: Queering the Museum team and introduced by project co-director Ellie Coleman from RAMM. Writer in Residence at RAMM and project co-director Natalie McGrath presented a creative response. Co-Director Professor Jana Funke and project researcher Emma Wallace presented their work on Ackland’s and Edwards’ life and art. We were very excited to be joined by Nicole Hickin (Burton Art Gallery and Museum) and Helen Kent (Southampton University), who have researched Ackland and Edwards for many years and shared fascinating insights with us and the audience. The event concluded with a Q&A session.
You can watch a recording of the event below.
Hi i have been interesred in Judith Ackland and mary stella edwards for many years and have done some reaserch of their life together. can you tell me who has their letters which have been released now, well that was afew years ago!! and if they can be viewed by general public. they have been my heroes as agay couple. i lived in north devon for many years and often made a pilgrimage down to Bucks Mills. Many thanks Miranda
Hi Miranda, thanks so much for your response. This is wonderful to hear – MSE and JA really are so fascinating. The archive is held by the Burton Museum and Art Gallery: https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk, so you might want to get in touch with them to see to what extent the records are accessible.
Hi , I have a large water colour by Mary Stella Edwards I think it says, would you like to see a photo of it. It is showing water lily’s.
Kevin dixon-kevin2@sky.com
What is the name of their famous painting?
Tel-U