Thomas Reed

A Cornish Palette: The Life and Art of Ruth Simpson

Ruth Simpson, born Alison in Newcastle in 1889, was a quietly compelling figure within the vibrant artistic communities of early 20th-century Britain. Her story isn’t one of flamboyant notoriety, but rather a testament to dedication, evolving style, and a deep connection to the landscapes and people surrounding her. Simpson emerged as an active member of both the Newlyn School and the Lamorna artists colony in Cornwall—groups renowned for their plein air painting, commitment to realism, and embrace of modern color palettes. While often overshadowed by her husband, Charles Walter Simpson, Ruth carved out a distinct artistic identity focused on portraiture that captured not just likeness but also the inner lives of her subjects.

Early Training and Newlyn Roots

Simpson’s formal art education began in 1911 at the Forbes School of Painting in Newlyn, under the tutelage of Elizabeth and Stanhope Forbes. This was a pivotal moment. The Forbeses championed direct observation from life, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the Cornish light and atmosphere. Newlyn itself was a haven for artists seeking an alternative to academic constraints—a place where working-class subjects were as valid as aristocratic ones, and where women artists found a degree of acceptance uncommon elsewhere. Simpson thrived in this environment, lodging with her sister Rose and participating fully in the social life of the colony. It was here she met Charles Walter Simpson, a fellow artist who would become her husband and lifelong collaborator. Their marriage in 1913 marked not only a personal union but also an artistic partnership that would shape their respective careers.

Cornish Life and Artistic Development

The Simpsons’ life unfolded across various Cornish locations—Carbis Bay, Lamorna, St Ives—each imbuing their work with unique qualities. A joint exhibition in 1919 signaled a shared artistic vision, but Ruth increasingly focused on portraiture as her primary mode of expression. Her style evolved from the more traditional approaches she’d learned at Newlyn towards a modern sensibility characterized by bold color choices and a psychological depth that went beyond mere representation. She wasn't simply painting *what* people looked like; she was attempting to convey *who* they were, their character, and their place in the world. This pursuit led her to specialize in teaching portraiture when the Simpsons established their own painting school, the Shore Studio, in St Ives around 1920. The studio became a hub for aspiring artists, with Ruth sharing her knowledge and passion for capturing the human form.

A Distinctive Portrait Style

Ruth Simpson’s portraits stand out for their vibrant use of color—often employing bright backgrounds that served to accentuate the sitter's features and create a sense of immediacy. She wasn’t afraid to experiment with unconventional palettes, moving away from muted tones towards a more expressive range. This modern approach, combined with her keen observation skills, allowed her to capture a remarkable degree of individuality in her subjects. She frequently painted women artists based in Cornwall—Ella Naper and Gertrude Harvey among them—offering valuable glimpses into the lives of fellow creatives. Her work wasn’t simply about documenting appearances; it was about celebrating the spirit and resilience of these individuals. Significant examples include “An Officer,” now held by the Imperial War Museum, and her portrait of Frank Ver Beck at the Royal Cornwall Museum.

Legacy and Historical Significance

While Ruth Simpson's painting career waned after a return to London in 1924 and subsequent relocation back to Cornwall in 1931, her contribution to British art remains significant. Her inclusion in the 1985 Barbican Centre exhibition “Painting in Newlyn 1880–1930” helped bring renewed attention to her work and her place within the broader context of the Newlyn School. She had three works featured in group shows hosted by the Society of Women Artists, a testament to her peer recognition. Simpson’s legacy lies not only in the quality of her paintings—with their striking color and psychological insight—but also in her role as a dedicated teacher and advocate for women artists. She represents a generation that embraced modern artistic principles while remaining deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities that inspired them, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate and intrigue.