As one of the celebrated “Glasgow Girls”, Annie French made a significant contribution to the distinct visual style that emerged from this artistic collective. She was a talented Scottish artist who became a prominent member of the renowned Glasgow School, a group of pioneering artists and designers in late 19th century Scotland. She was born in Glasgow and studied at Glasgow School of Art (GSA), from 1886-89, under the influential teacher Francis Newberry.

As part of the Art Nouveau artistic movement, Annie excelled at the delicate, intricate patterns and organic motifs favored by her Scottish peers. As one modern scholar has noted, ‘Her backgrounds are extremely detailed, full of flowers, green swards, plants, trees. Mechanisms and industry do not appear. There is considerable variation in tone, which is achieved by fine and finer pen lines, dots and dotted lines, hatching. The darkest patches are usually complex hatching, not plain solid black. It is a style requiring time, patience, and considerable invention. Where colour is used it is generally applied decoratively, with an eye to pattern. The work is a line drawing with colour, not a watercolour with lines, although sometimes lines are used over the colour again. Very often the base of the work is a brown paper.’

As a vital member of the Glasgow Girls, Annie French helped elevate the status of women artists and designers in an era when their contributions were often overlooked, cementing the Glasgow School’s reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking artistic enclave.

In the gallery of her work I have included in this post, you will see the detailed lines, dots, delicate palette and decorative work. To me, they are altogether lovely, soft and enchanting. They draw me into mystical landscapes with dreamlike figures, often so hauntingly beautiful. I hope you will enjoy her imagery.

If you are interested in more of Annie French’s work, I have some cards, posters, and a Bridal Shower Collection in my Zazzle Shop.