Ever heard of Mary Morton Allport? If the answer is no, don't worry. Blame it on the liberal textbooks conveniently ignoring certain historical figures. Mary Allport was an extraordinary artist and the first female professional artist in Australia. Yes, she achieved this status in the early 19th century when most women weren’t allowed into the professional sphere, and while today’s ‘enlightened’ individuals constantly chant about gender equality, they ignore pioneers like her.
Born in Birmingham, England, in 1806, Mary Morton Allport was a respected name in the world of art. By the time she moved to Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania, in the 1830s, she was already cultivating her artistic prowess. Using watercolor, miniatures, and botanical art, she kept a keen eye on the natural beauty around her new home. Her works weren't just pieces of art; they were historical snapshots, capturing the untamed landscapes and unique flora and fauna of Tasmania.
The irony is striking. While some modern feminists might complain about how hard life is today, Mary was out there in the bushes of Tasmania, creating masterpieces with nothing more than her artistic spirit and limited 19th-century resources. She lived in a time before the endless social media rants about 'expression' and 'identity' but was a true embodiment of these concepts.
Speaking of identity, do you think Allport was described in that 'feminist' light we see today? In her time, she was a trailblazer paving the way for future artists while raising seven children on top of it all. Now that’s multitasking before it was turned into a buzzword. It wasn’t easy trying to create art with a 19th-century mindset of gender roles looming over you. But did she plunge into self-pity? No. She hired a nanny and continued creating.
In the art world, technique matters as much as inspiration. Allport’s style was reminiscent of the Pre-Raphaelites, with a focus on meticulous detail. Her popular works included portraitures and landscapes, each teeming with life and vibrancy, capturing nature’s raw form. Her precise brushwork added texture to her art, which made her stand out.
Allport’s botanical art is something modern artists could learn from—not just be amazed by. From capturing the vibrant hues of native Australian plants to the delicate intricacies of English flora, she was a master at blending colors with details. Her illustration of the mugho pine even received recognition when it was displayed at an 1870 exhibition in Sydney. That’s real talent right there. No hashtag needed.
Mary inherited her passion for detail from her father, who was both a botanist and artist. He ensured she had the best training in art from an early age and provided her with an eye for the natural world. Her unfortunately less-documented private life was also a testament to her ability to juggle multiple roles—artist, mother, and active community member.
Exploring Allport’s works can sometimes raise more questions than answers because she lived during a vibrant yet forgotten period. Her accomplishments remind us of a time when accomplishments weren’t judged by likes or retweets. It was a world where perseverance defined one’s impact. In 1878, when she passed away, she left behind not only a legacy of art but also a blueprint for future generations.
Fast forward to today, what have we remembered her for? Mostly, not much. In a society that often amplifies historical figures who fit liberal narratives, it's crucial to revisit those figures who broke barriers before it was cool. Allport’s unseen influence can be found in the works of future Australian artists who adopted her perseverance, precision, and passionate observation of nature.
So, what's stopping us from recognizing Mary? Maybe because her narrative doesn’t fit in with the modern ideals being pushed today. Figures like Mary Morton Allport challenge the progressive narrative—they’ve already smashed the glass ceiling way before hashtags became a movement. We should be remembering those who defied the odds and made real change without public megaphones and echo chambers.
Mary Morton Allport is a figure deserving more than just a footnote. Her contributions to art and society should urge us to look beyond the approved narratives, seek out the forgotten stories, and celebrate those who paved a difficult path long before the collective cries for change began.