The Red Rose Girls: An Uncommon Story of Art and Love

by Alice A. Carter

Illustrators Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935) and Elizabeth Shippen Green (1871-1954), and muralist Violet Oakley (1874-1961) captivated early-20th-century society with their brilliant careers and uncommon lifestyle. This richly illustrated biography traces the lives of these three talented women, who took over the Red Rose Inn, a picturesque old estate on Philadelphia's Main Line, and made a pact to live together forever-until one of them created havoc by leaving the fold to marry. Revealing a household of intimate friendship, mutual inspiration, shared ideas, and love, The Red Rose Girls unfolds against a backdrop of the emerging women's rights movement in an era when female sexuality was still little understood or publicly acknowledged. It is an unforgettable story of three extraordinary women artists who achieved success on their own terms. Full-color reproductions of the Red Rose Girls' artwork and wonderful archival photographs bring these women and their milieu to life. 175 illustrations, 60 in full color, 8 1/2 x 11" ALICE A. CARTER is a professor at the School of Art and Design at San Jos State University. An award-winning illustrator who has done extensive work in the entertainment industry and in advertising, she is also the author of The Art of National Geographic.

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Art History, Historical, LGBT

216 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first learned about the publication of this book, back in 2000, my initial reaction was keen disappointment. I had, to a small degree, researched the lives of early 20th century illustrators Elizabeth Shippen Green and Jessie Wilcox Smith, and was captivated by them. I knew that for many years they shared a home in an idyllic old house on Philadelphia's main line with a third artist, Violet Oakley, and a fourth friend, Harriet Cozzens, who did the gardening and managed the household. I was going to write this book about their art and intertwined lives, but Alice A. Carter beat me to it. She did a very good job of it I have to admit -- and I will also graciously concede that of the two of us, she was ever so slightly the more qualified to take on this project (for several reasons, not least among them that her parents were students of Violet Oakley). The book itself is gorgeously produced, filled with beautiful examples of all the artists' work, redolent with a halcyon glow typical of illustrations from this period. I had imagined that the book would be about the joy of a creative life lived among one's dearest friends in a beautiful setting (kind of like a distillation of the very best parts of college), and to some extent it is, but as Alice A. Carter shows, the actual story was a bit more complicated, and not always happy, but the book is no less interesting for all that.

I've now read it a second time, some 21 years after it was published, and still find it excellent. I'd love to see a movie biopic of these artists' lives -- so much scope for visual lushness.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for someone interested in Philadelphia history or women with jobs at the turn of the century. I would have liked more about their actual art (method, medium, technique), but their lives were unusual enough that the book was worthwhile even without that. Still, I couldn't help but feel that the story could have been more interesting in the hands of a different author. It wasn't dry, but it also wasn't inspired.

I did try to find out what had happened to the Red Rose Inn. It was up for sale with 14 acres in 2004 as Red Rose Farm. Lower Merion Township listed the "Red Rose Farm Complex" at 1300 Mount Pleasant Rd. as a class 2 historical property in 2016, and the Lower Merion Conservancy had a notice in 2017 that they got a 45-acre conservation easement that includes the farm. When I look at 1300 Mount Pleasant Road in Villanova on a map/Zillow, though, I see only newer homes--though there is a Red Rose Lane. I may have to go snooping in person. Cogslea, on the other hand, is alive and well in Chestnut Hill, and even has its own historical marker honoring Violet Oakley.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a .... great.... big ......sigh. Such a wonderful story so respectfully written with beautiful illustrations and fantastic photographs. An inspiring story demonstrating the true value of complex friendships and collaboration. A great example of feminist leaders navigating the art world at the turn of the 20th century. Fascinating, succinct, and non-judgmental. Great read- highly recommend.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book about three painters, there were definitely not enough pictures. And the odd focus on whether they were lesbians or not, well---I appreciate historical context, but to keep referring to the issue over and over instead of talking about them as painters and their work was simply annoying. Add that to the fact that the author did not make it easy to keep track of which artist was which (pick a last name or a first name, not either/or) - it was just not as good as I wanted it to be. I enjoyed the pictures, though!

[Ever · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at three early 20th-century illustrators and their works, as well as their friendship with one another. I would love to see this story become a screenplay.

[leti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bolleras de principios de siglo que pintaban mucho y muy bien, no le pongo más porque le gusta demasiado el chisme y los adjetivos calificativos a la autora y no se centra en la producción artística/influencias/fuentes etc

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0/5.0 - Obtained through the generous ILL from UT Knoxville, this biographical volume of three early 20th century female artists and illustrators was fascinating. Jessie Wilcox Smith and Elizabeth Shippen Green had an outstanding career providing illustrations for magazines such as Ladies Home Journal and Good Housekeeping, and for books such as a Child's Garden of Verses and Longfellow's Evangeline. Oakley was a renown muralist with work in Ohio and Pennsylvania state buildings. The three women, along with a non-artist friend named Henrietta Cousins lived together for many years, supporting each other and furthering their works. The name of the book comes from a home the four women shared, called the Red Rose Inn. The book also includes wonderful examples of their work.

[Debra Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated by this book. These three women artists, one of whom illustrated the PA Capitol building with her extensive and evocative murals, while the other two provided illustrations for books and periodicals. Their lives are fascinating- women choosing not to marry and to pursue careers and to live together in arrangements that pleased them, at a time when women's roles were very narrowly drawn is fascinating. I've since searched for Jessie Smith's illustrations in Little Women or A Child's Garden of Verses and the Good Housekeeping and Haper's covers of Elizabeth Green. They can be found extensively on the Internet and are beautiful. I may have just found a new collecting hobby. The book contains gorgeous, full page illustrations of their art as well.

[Meg Pilcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enraptured by the golden age of illustration and the art nouveau/beaux arts style of Elizabeth Shippen Green I found this small volume. Through the gorgeous full color plates and extensive archived photos of the artists, the author weaves a fascinating and complicated narrative of one of the first women artist collectives and the drama that ensued amidst the beauty.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid for background on the Girls. Rug-sweeps a lot of the queer history there, but it was published in 2000 so that's understandable. Excellent repros (and in color too!) which are especially useful as reference.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good for people interested in these Philly artists...

[thestorygirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book at the library and was instantly drawn to the aesthetic of the cover, and then I noted the familiar name Jessie Willcox Smith, and when I flipped it open to the page that mentioned that Violet measured the Red Rose Inn property not in acres but in poetry ("four sonnets to the woods"), and I was enchanted.

A wonderful, fascinating overview of the lives, careers, and friendships of the wonderful artists/illustrators Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, Violet Oakley, and their friend Henrietta Cozens. I couldn't put it down, and now that I've finished my fingers are itching to paint.

I could have done without the speculation about the women's sexuality, but I suppose it's a question that arises, and I don't think Ms. Carter went overboard or allowed it to take over the much more interesting discussion of their lives and work. I also appreciated her contextualization of the question in the Victorian tradition of romantic friendship.

I'd have liked to learn more about the women's artistic processes--I finished the book without even knowing for certain whether Jessie Smith used primarily watercolors or oils. Sniff!

I loved the color prints, appreciated the b&w prints and especially photos, and wished there had been even more! It's a beautiful book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated to learn more about Jessie Willcox Smith and her artist friends, Violet Oakley and Elizabeth Shippen Green who inhabited Red Rose Inn managed by thier friend Henrietta Cozens who had no career aspirations. Jessie was very successful and today best known for her monthly Good Housekeeping Covers for nearly 30 years and her illustrations for childrens books. One tribute to her was "nothing morbid or bitter ever came from her brush". Violet Oakley painted huge murals for the state houses in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Jessie was extremely successful illustrator/artist and during the depression made $ 32,000 a year. She was an independent professional woman who never married. It was an illuminating portrait of these woman and their lifestyle.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful picture book and bio. of turn of the century illustrators Jessie Wilcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and Violet Oakley who set up household with Henrietta Cozens.

Their idyllic life ended with the marriage of Green. They were independent, brilliant artists whose lesbian relationships were not publicly recognized. Victorian society allowed young women to be effusively in love.

I need to see Oakley's mural in the Cuyahoga County Courthouse. It measures 15 X 41 feet and is called The constitutional Convention Mural. Finished in 1911. Also see the state capitol in Harrisburg, Pa.

[Elizabeth Holtsclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. I love the social history, women's history and art history. I even love the layout of the book. This is not a book for kindle, you need to savor the full color illustrations. Finally, I love the story. What amazing women and a sweet story of friendship and productive art careers.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

The red rose girls were four early twentieth century women- two being successful illustrators of the time, one equally successful muralist and the fourth rose...the woman who took care of the home they all resided in. They swore allegiance to their arrangement for all time, which did last for many years. A wonderful story of community, collaboration, love and art!

[Thorn MotherIssues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other people are complaining that there's too much talk about whether or not the artists were lesbians, but I really felt like there wasn't all that much. I've known Jessie Willcox Smith's work but hadn't known about the others or the household they built, and found all of that fascinating. it's got me wondering whether we're the first lesbian family to live in our 110-year-old house!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read about three 19th century artists I'd never heard about before learning that one of them is buried at a nearby cemetery.

Their story explains the challenges faced by women who wanted to be successful artists. These women came up with a brilliant plan.

Sad that their home(s) wasn't preserved as a museum.

[Mary Harju · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the few books in print about Violet Oakley and her mural painting. The real boon of this book is the illustrations. Also covered is the art of Jesse Wilcox Smith and Elizabeth Shippen Green.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of three artist. They were Jessie Wilcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green and Violet Oakley. These were artist that drew for Scribners, Colliers and Harpers magazines and other things in the late 1800s and early 1900s. I really enjoyed this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful, entertaining, educational book. I knew nothing about these 3 (4 counting the non-artist of the household) artists who lived together (likely, romantically) about 100 years ago, but sure did enjoy getting to know them.

[Meena Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emerging women's right movement

[Truda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was the true story of a group of female artists in the early 1900s. The writing is very academic, but the subject matter was fascinating.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

To know this book is to know me, in many ways.

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this. Had it for a while and never read it, although I browsed the pages. Excellent. I love artist and writer communities.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book gave an interesting insight to the development on women in the world of art and some the challenges they faced trying get an education in this field.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and well written.

[Ginny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A potentially interesting book, very poorly written, in my opinion.

[Linda Garfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book especially because I am an artists who has lived in Philadelphia/Main Line for my whole life. I liked reading about being a female artist 100 years ago.