Jane Sophia Robson was a talented amateur British watercolourist predominantly known for still lifes. Hailing from Ripon in Yorkshire, her grandfather James Robson Esquire of Crakehall House was a gentleman of considerable means. As such, she was raised amid comfortable surroundings, likely to include a fine art collection.
Little is known about her artistic training, but at the age of 15, she was sent to ‘Mrs Leeke’s finishing school’ at Panton Hall in Lincolnshire - a magnificent Georgian mansion. Here, too, she was surely inspired by the range of artworks of display. During her time there, both of her parents sadly died, presumably of the same illness, so upon her return, she moved in with her six sisters - Caroline, Charlotte, Sarah, Mary, Edith and Gertrude.
She produced this piece in her thirties and, when exhibited, it was described as “an old master study of flowers in the National Gallery”. It’s reminiscent of works by Jan van Huysum (1682-1749). It was common for budding artists to visit the foremost European galleries and sit awhile to sketch. It’s rendered with finesse, skillfully observed, and beautifully coloured.
Later in life, Robson moved to Ospinge, near Faversham, in Kent where she lived with her cousin George, a magistrate. She returned to Yorkshire to stay with her elderly aunt Elizabeth around 1901.
Exhibited
Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition.
Timeline
1846
Born in Ripon, Yorkshire, to James Pickering Robson, a solicitor and coroner, and Jane Robson (born Holmes).
1851
Lived in Ripon, Yorkshire, with her parents, siblings and servants.
1861
Attended Mrs Leeke’s finishing school at Panton Hall, Lincolnshire.
1863
Death of both parents.
1871
Lived in Ripon, Yorkshire, with her six sisters, Caroline, Charlotte, Sarah, Mary, Edith and Gertrude. She received an annuity.
1879
Shown at the Yorkshire Fine Art Exhibition.
1881
Lived in Ripon, Yorkshire, with three sisters.
1891
Lived in Ospringe, Kent, with her cousin George A Young, a magistrate, and his daughters.
1901
Lived in Ainderby Steeple, Yorkshire, with her aunt Elizabeth Robson, and servants.
1907
Died.