Florence Shinn

Although Florence Scovel Shinn (1869-1940) was educated at the Friends Central School and the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts in the 1890s, her pen and ink drawings are the result of her natural talent and not technical training.

A contemporary critic of hers wrote, "Mrs. Shinn, more than any other present day illustrator, has little need of technical cleverness. It is the sincerity of her work-the direct putting down of what she knows and the frankness with which she states her very faults, which make her place unique."

In 1898 Florence Scovel married the artist, Everett Shinn. They lived in New York City and were active in the artistic and social circles of the city. Mrs. Shinn and her husband spent some time in the art colony of Cornish, New Hampshire in early 1900. It was there she completed 30 drawings for fellow colonist, Winston Churchill, for his novel "Coniston."

Florence Shinns work as an illustrator can also be viewed in Alice Rices books, "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" and "Lovely Mary." Mrs. Shinns work was exhibited in New York in 1906 at the Kraushaar Gallery.

Florence and Everett Shinn divorced in 1912. The couple remained friendly, and Mrs. Shinn attending Everetts three successive weddings.

Florence Shinn authored several books including "The Game of Life and How to Play it" (1925), "Your Word is your Wand" (1928) and "The Secret Door to Success" (1940).

Credits: "Footprints of the Past" by Virginia Reed Colby and James B. Atkinson