Lot 144: George Spencer Watson, R.A., R.W.S., R.O.I. (1869-1934)

George Spencer Watson, R.A., R.W.S., R.O.I. (1869-1934)
Hilda in a black hat
signed and dated 'G Spencer Watson/1909' (lower right) and inscribed 'G S Watson/4 Pembroke Studios' (on the reverse)
oil on canvas
29½ x 21¼ in. (74.9 x 54 cm.)

Hilda Gardiner was the artist's wife. (Another portrait of her by her husband has recently been acquired by Tate Britain). A remarkable woman, she established a reputation as a dancer in the manner of Isadora Duncan and was a friend of Carl Jung. She developed a form of mime - in which the Greek myths were relayed - and established a theatre in the barn at her house, Dunshay Manor, on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.