Louise Jopling

Louise Jopling (1843-1933) was a prominent British painter, author, and advocate for women’s rights, whose career spanned the latter half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth. Born Louise Jane Goode into a respectable middle-class family in Manchester, she became one of the most celebrated female artists of the Victorian era, navigating the challenges of a male-dominated art world with remarkable determination and talent.

Jopling’s artistic journey began in earnest following her marriage to Francis Romer, after which she studied painting in Paris under Charles Joshua Chaplin, a respected French artist. Her early exposure to the French art scene significantly influenced her style, which was characterised by a delicate touch, a keen sense of colour, and a refined approach to portraiture. After the death of her first husband, she married Joseph Middleton Jopling, himself an artist, and established herself within London’s artistic circles.

Louise Jopling quickly gained recognition for her portraits, particularly of fashionable society women and children. Her works were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Grosvenor Gallery, and the Society of Lady Artists, among other prestigious venues. Jopling’s style epitomised the sophisticated elegance of late Victorian portraiture, often portraying her sitters in relaxed, informal poses. She had a particular gift for capturing the personality and grace of her subjects, which made her highly sought after by the upper echelons of society.

Beyond her success as a portraitist, Jopling was also a passionate advocate for women artists’ professional opportunities. She was active in several organisations, including the Society of Women Artists, and was instrumental in campaigning for women’s admission to the Royal Academy Schools. In 1887, she founded her own art school, which provided an invaluable platform for aspiring female artists to receive high-quality instruction and encouragement.

Jopling was also an author, penning an autobiography, “Twenty Years of My Life, 1867 to 1887,” which provides a vivid account of the challenges and triumphs of a woman artist in Victorian England. Her memoir reveals her wit, resilience, and progressive views on gender equality and artistic expression.

Louise Jopling’s legacy endures not only in her elegant portraits but also in her contributions to advancing women’s place in the arts. She remains a significant figure in British cultural history, emblematic of both artistic achievement and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.