Eileen Soper
1905-1990
Eileen Soper, Daughter of George Soper, produced about 180 different etchings, some of which she first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1921 making her at 15, the youngest ever exhibitor, two of her etchings were seen and bought by Queen Mary. She painted watercolours and illustrated many books including "The Famous five" series by Enid Blyton.
Eileen's Etchings of a particular group of children have enchanted not only the experts but have appealed to most people fortunate enough to see them. They were all produced in the twenties and even today, some 80 years later have not lost any of that original appeal.
The same children appear over and over again, taking part in all of the activities that one would expect of a child. Eileen’s secret is in being able to put so much life into her subjects that they almost bounce off the paper.