Felicity Blackett (1912-2011) began pursuing a career in art when she was at school on the Italian Riviera. Her story is an inspiring account for those who love art and the life it represents. It is a message of hope and encouragement, not only for those who are aspiring artists, but also for those who endured some of the same tragic twentieth century events Felicity did.

 

  Significant historical events shaped Felicity’s character and direction from an early age. Despite the setbacks posed by two world wars, she developed a unique style and embraced female independence. Her widowed mother was determined to give Felicity a positive upbringing and education regardless of where they were living. Finding a suitable school in Italy was challenging, but finding a good art teacher less so. After returning to England as a young woman, Felicity met her first husband and gave birth to a baby girl. The union lasted less than a year. She met her second husband during World War II when she was working as a nurse. The couple had two children before moving to Germany on military assignment and then to South Africa. Felicity’s time in South Africa was conducive to drawing and painting from live subjects. She and Rupert moved back to Britain in 1975, but separated amicably a few years later.

 

  Felicity then lived in the Gloucestershire village of Dursley, during which time her artwork was twice accepted for exhibition at Royal West Academy shows. She became a member and frequent visitor of the nearby Slimbridge Wildfowl Centre and took advantage of the birdlife sketching opportunities it afforded. In the 1980s, Felicity began keeping a diary to record her early years and reflect on the present. It was rediscovered when her house was sold and has been indispensable to understanding her life and legacy, and in writing her biography (see below for more information on the book).