| Maker | Maud Frances Sambourne was born at her grandparents' house, 18 Upper Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, on 5 August 1875. She inherited her father's talent for drawing and had lessons from Blanche Vicat-Cole for a number of years. Her first published drawing appeared in 'Punch' on 16 May 1892 and was followed in April 1894 by the publication of four drawings in 'Pall Mall Magazine'. Further examples of her work can be seen in Mabel Nembhard's 'Fantasies' (1896) and 'Cherriwink: a fairy story' (1897). Maud officially 'came out' in 1893 and her life for the next few years was made up largely of engagements in London and visits to houses across the country, many of which are recorded in letters written to her mother. On 28 April 1898 she married a stockbroker, Leonard Messel, and the couple set up home at 37 Gloucester Terrace, Bayswater, before moving to 104 Lancaster Gate in 1905. Considerable periods were also spent at their Sussex country homes of Glovers (1900-1902), Balcombe House (1902-1916) and Nymans (1916-1947) with their three children Linley born 31 August 1899, Anne born 8 February 1902 and Oliver born 13 January 1904. Maud died in March 1960. |