Mary Jane Hancock

Mary Jane Hancock (1810 – 1896) was an English artist and naturalist and an elected member of the Natural History Society of Northumbria.

Early life

Hancock was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1810 to John Hancock Sr, a saddle maker. Her brothers were Thomas, John and Albany known for the Hancock Museum. Mary's father was a saddle maker, sparking her interest in, and love for nature. Mary would go on expeditions through Northumberland and County Durham, creating art based on nature.[1]

A plaque outside of Hancocks Residence in Newcastle Upon Tyne

Career

In 1884 at the age of 74, Mary became an elected member of the Natural History Society of Northumbria.

Art works

Throughout her life, Mary documented scenes of both nature and the city through artworks. Her works utilized different media on paper, including ink in her paintings of The Old Tyne Bridge, Moot Hall, St Nicholas Cathedral and Castle,[2] and watercolour in her sketch of Albany Hancock and Miss Jane Bewick walking towards a cottage door in Cumbria,[1] as well as Tynemouth Watercolor.[3]. The Natural History Society of Northumbria holds over 60 of her paintings.

Contribution and legacy

She was an influential contributor to the North's natural history collections through her work as a naturalist. She appeared in the Natural History Society of Northumbria Women Naturalists exhibition which celebrates the achievements of pioneering women naturalists[4].

References
  1. Jones, Claire (2018). "Women Naturalists of North East England Exhibition Booklet". Natural History Society of Northumbria. Retrieved October 20, 2023.}}
  2. "The Old Tyne Bridge, Moot Hall, St Nicholas' Cathedral and Castle". Watercolour World. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  3. Coleman, Ellie (2023-08-31). "Nature's Cure on the North East Coast". Natural History Society of Northumbria. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  4. "Mary Jane Hancock". Museums Northumberland. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
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