 |
Nina HamnettWelsh artist, writer and sculptor
Date of Birth: 14.02.1890
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Art Training
- Montparnasse and the Bohemian Queen
- Marriage and Return to England
- Fitzrovia Bohemia
- Writing and Notoriety
- Later Years and Legacy
Early Life and Art Training
Nina Hamnett, a Welsh artist, writer, and sculptor, was born in 1890. She studied painting at the Pelham School of Art (1906-1907) and later at the London School of Fine Arts (until 1910).
Montparnasse and the Bohemian Queen
In 1914, on the eve of World War I, Hamnett traveled to France. She studied art history in Paris at the Académie Maria Vasilyeva and set up a studio in Montparnasse, a vibrant bohemian artist colony. There, she quickly established connections with renowned figures such as Modigliani, Jean Cocteau, and Picasso. Hamnett's eccentric and risqué behavior, including her infamous nude dance on a table at the Café Rotonde, earned her the nickname "Queen of Bohemia" from Picasso.
Marriage and Return to England
During her time in Montparnasse, Hamnett met and married Norwegian artist Kristian Roald. After returning to England, she taught art at Westminster Technical Institute (1917-1918). Following her divorce from Roald, she lived with composer Ernest John Moeran and later had a relationship with artist Roger Fry, who painted several portraits of her.
Fitzrovia Bohemia
In the mid-1920s, Hamnett moved to London's bohemian district of Fitzrovia, where she spent the remainder of her life. She frequented local artistic cafés, socializing with figures such as Augustus John and Dylan Thomas.
Writing and Notoriety
In 1932, Hamnett published her autobiography, "Laughing Torso," which became a bestseller in both the UK and the US. The book sparked controversy after occultist Aleister Crowley sued her for defamation, claiming she had portrayed him as a black magician. Hamnett won the lawsuit, causing Crowley to lose much of his fortune.
Later Years and Legacy
Nina Hamnett died in 1956 from liver cirrhosis, a result of her long-term alcohol abuse. She left behind a legacy as a vibrant and unconventional artist, writer, and cultural icon of the bohemian world of her time.
