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Barbara BodichonEnglish artist
Date of Birth: 08.04.1827
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Barbara Bodichon: A Pioneering Artist, Feminist, and Educator
- Breaking Barriers with Education
- Founding The Englishwoman's Review
- Advocacy for Women's Suffrage
- Literary Connections and Her Role as Muse
- Marriage and Support for Women's Rights
- Artistic Achievements
Barbara Bodichon: A Pioneering Artist, Feminist, and Educator
Early Life and Family ConnectionsBarbara Bodichon was an English artist, feminist, and educator. She was born in 1827 as an illegitimate daughter to the Whig politician Benjamin Lee Smith and a milliner from Derbyshire. Notably, her paternal line traced back to Florence Nightingale.
Breaking Barriers with Education
Despite her unconventional birth, Bodichon received a substantial inheritance from her father in 1848. This unprecedented gesture for the time allowed her to pursue her passions and establish her own school in London. Her independence and determination to advance herself through education were remarkable for that era.
Founding The Englishwoman's Review
In 1858, Bodichon joined forces with her close friend Bessie Rayner Parkes to launch The Englishwoman's Review. This publication became a platform for feminist discourse and activism, addressing issues such as women's rights, education, and employment.
Advocacy for Women's Suffrage
Bodichon played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement. In 1866, she founded the first Women's Suffrage Committee, which drafted a petition and presented it to the House of Commons through John Stuart Mill. This petition marked a significant step in the push for women's voting rights.
Literary Connections and Her Role as Muse
Barbara Bodichon's influence extended beyond politics and education. Her close friendship with George Eliot served as inspiration for one of the characters in Eliot's historical novel "Romola" (1863). Bodichon's own writings and public speaking also contributed to the feminist movement.
Marriage and Support for Women's Rights
Initially opposed to marriage, believing it undermined a woman's independence, Bodichon met the French physician Eugène Bodichon and reconsidered her views. They married in 1857, and Eugène became a staunch supporter of Bodichon's feminist campaigns, providing both financial and emotional backing.
Artistic Achievements
In addition to her activism, Bodichon was an accomplished artist. She studied under William Hunt and her watercolor paintings received acclaim from both Charles Kingsley and Paul Cézanne, among others. Her artistic endeavours provided her with an alternative means of expression and a creative outlet.
