Ethel Gabain was born in Le Harve, France; she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, London and at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, where she met and married the artist John Copley. She was best known for her oil portraits, especially of actresses in character roles. Her lithographs were considered more successful than her etchings and drypoints.

Further reading:
Kenneth Guichard, British Etchers 1850 - 1940, Robin Garton, London, 1977
John Copley and Ethel Gabain, Garton & Cooke, London, 1985

Glossary

  • Oil

    A medium in which ground pigments are mixed to produce a paste or liquid that can be applied to a surface by a brush or other tool; the most common oil used by artists is linseed, this can be thinned with turpentine spirit to produce a thinner and more fluid paint. The oil dries with a hard film, and the brightness of the colour is protected. Oil paints are usually opaque and traditionally used on canvas.