Fruit of Friendship

Accompanying a major exhibition at Philip Mould & Company, Fruit of Friendship:
Portraits by Mary Beale presents the work of the remarkable sevenenteenth-century
woman artist.
Mary Beale (1633–1699) was Britain’s first woman artist to run a successful studio
practice. In an era when the arts in Britain were flourishing and portraitists were in high
demand, Beale established a unique practice that set her apart from her competitors and
brought her great acclaim.
Friendship and family played a crucial role in Beale’s success. She was the figurehead
of her family and studio, while her husband dedicated himself to supporting the
business, often preparing paints and canvasses. Beale’s portraits, many of which are
illustrated here for the first time, build a picture of a talented and multi-faceted woman
– artist, writer, businesswoman, mother and friend.
The title of this publication and of the accompanying exhibition is drawn from
Beale’s own writings, and the materials presented span her entire career. Featuring
essays by leading scholars, the catalogue introduces a number of recently discovered
portraits by Beale and showcases several important works that have never been publicly
displayed before.