Stella Marks MVO, RMS, ASMP | |
|---|---|
 Stella Marks self-portrait in oils, ca. 1940 | |
| Born | November 27, 1887 Melbourne, Australia |
| Died | November 18, 1985 (aged 97) Kent, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | Australian and British |
| Education | National Gallery of Victoria Art School, Melbourne |
| Known for | Portrait miniature artist |
| Notable work | Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II when she was a princess, Winston Churchill, Churchill's daughter Mary, Prince Philip, Prince Charles at age 2, and all the royal children. |
| Spouse | Montagu Marks |
| Awards | Member of the Victorian Order 1978 |
Stella Lewis Marks MVO, RMS, ASMP (November 27, 1887 – November 18, 1985) was born in the City of Melbourne, Australia. She was an artist, active in Australia, the United States of America, and Great Britain. She is best known as a portrait miniaturist, although she also made larger works in oils, charcoal, and pastels.
She was a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers, and the American Society of Miniature Painters. In the early 20th century, she painted a number of well-known personalities, particularly in America,[1] before moving to the UK in 1934.
In 1948, she was commissioned to paint a portrait miniature of Queen Elizabeth II, who was then H.R.H. the Princess Elizabeth, by the Duke of Edinburgh,[2] and since then she painted 14 miniatures of members of the British royal family.[3] She was awarded the honor, Member of the Royal Victorian Order on December 30, 1978.[4]
She was married to fellow artist Montagu Marks, who became prominent in the British film industry as general manager of London Films.[5]
- ^ The Age, Melbourne (February 17, 1926) page 15
- ^ Women and Home Magazine, February, 1967, Prince Philip's paintings on pages 22 and 57
- ^ Foskett, Daphne (1987) Miniatures: Dictionary and Guide, London: Antique Collectors' Club, Pages 461-462. ISBN 1-85149-063-9
- ^ The London Gazette, December 30, 1978, issue/47723/supplement/page 4
- ^ Charles Drazin (2002) Korda: Britain's Movie Mogul, London: Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd, Chapter 9, ISBN 978 1 84885 695 0