About this artwork

Walker completed three different courses during her studies at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. She often depicted women from her extended circle of artistic friends. This sitter is thought to be Sylvia Harvard Thomas, whose father taught Walker while he was Slade Professor of Sculpture. Walker allowed the neutral mid-tone of the canvas to remain visible to make the daubs of colour in the distinctive shawl stand out.

Updated July 2022

  • artist:
    Ethel Walker (1861 - 1951) Scottish
  • title:
    The Spanish Shawl
  • date created:
    About 1921 - 1926
  • materials:
    Oil on canvas
  • measurements:
    61.50 x 51.30 cm; Framed: 78.00 x 68.00 x 8.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Dr R.A. Lillie 1977
  • accession number:
    GMA 1989
  • gallery:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Ethel Walker

Ethel Walker