Early Life and Education
- Born: Doris Margaret Shaw, 21 April 1890, Hampstead, United Kingdom
- Died: 31 July 1972
- Nationality: English
- Her father was a ship's doctor and her mother a former art student.
- The family moved to Tavistock, Cornwall in 1907.
- She enrolled at the School of Painting run by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes in Newlyn at age 15.
- Met Laura Knight, who became a lifelong friend and influence.
- Studied at Atelier Colarossi in Paris alongside Ernest Procter.
Artistic Development and Influences
- Influenced by Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements.
- Mentored by Elizabeth Forbes and Stanhope Forbes.
- Inspired by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.
- Developed a distinctive style characterized by sensual portraits of women and Cornish landscapes.
- Early works included illustrated "Nature Notes" sent to her father at sea.
Major Works and Achievements
- Morning (1927): Her most famous work, a portrait of a fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation and was bought by the Daily Mail for the Tate Gallery.
- Early Morning: A smaller version of "Morning" held by the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
- Series of simplified, monumental images of young women (c. 1922).
- Commissioned to decorate the Kokine Palace in Rangoon with her husband Ernest Procter.
- Exhibited at the Royal Academy on numerous occasions.
- Awarded "Picture of the Year" at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 1927 for “Morning”.
Later Life and Legacy
- After Ernest's death in 1935, she travelled extensively to the United States, Canada, Jamaica, and Africa.
- Became President of St Ives Society of Artists (STISA) in 1966.
- Member of several artists organizations including the Newlyn School.
- Buried next to her husband at St Hilary Church, Cornwall.
- Her work is recognized for its evocative portrayal of Cornish life and its contribution to early twentieth-century British art.
Historical Significance
- A prominent figure in the Newlyn School of artists.
- Known for her unique vision and style that captured a sense of modernity.
- Her portrait "Morning" is considered a significant work of 20th-century British art, praised for its “sensuous but sombre style” and depiction of Cornish light.
- Contributed to the development of portraiture in Britain during the early 20th century.
Questions & Answers
How is Dod Procter's career divided into periods?
A chronological account of Dod Procter's work is available on the artist's Chronicle page, where the artworks pass in order of creation, chapter by chapter.
What are the birth city and country of Dod Procter?
Dod Procter was born in Hampstead, in United Kingdom.
In which historical period did Dod Procter work?
Dod Procter worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
How can I see every artwork made by Dod Procter?
Every work by Dod Procter on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
