Clarice Cliff Jug with Fair Ladies by Dame Laura Knight, 1934

Dame Laura Knight (nee Johnston) British 1877 - 1970 ​ Laura Knight was born in Long Eaton, Derbyshire and studied at the Nottingham School of Art; she was the youngest student at the time being just thirteen. She married the artist Harold Knight and together they set up studios in Staithes, Newlyn and London. She was more flamboyant than her quiet and mild mannered husband and was great friends and painting partner of Alfred Munnings. Her work includes beautiful Seascapes and Beach Scenes depicting Cornwall from 1908 when she first arrived in Newlyn, already a successful artist. The First World War ended their time in Cornwall, though she kept a studio there for many years. Later when she moved to London she became fascinated by the Theatre and Circus. She found new subjects in the Diaghilev Ballet and painted many pictures of the ballet, behind the scenes and rehearsals. ​ ​ Laura Knight went on to be made a Dame for her achievements and was elected to the Royal Academy in 1935. There are many books on Laura Knight and her work and there has been a recent comprehensive exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. ​ ​