Object of the Day: “Memories of Ninety Years,” Henrietta Ward

Renowned English painter Henrietta Ward penned two memoirs during her long life. The first was Mrs. E.M. Ward’s Reminiscences which was published in 1911 and recounted her exciting life with her husband, also an accomplished and celebrated painter as well as their relationships with such luminaries as Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. In her second memoir, Memories of Ninety Years, published before her death in 1924, Ward spoke plainly about her life as a painter, her friendship with Queen Victoria and told tales from her scintillating life and family. She speaks fondly of her son, Sir Leslie Ward, and chronicled her time as tutor to the children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.


Included in the book are several attractive plates of reproductions of her works as well as intimate photographs from her own collection. These include personal photos as well as images of her friends and family.

Difficult to find, it’s a fascinating book and a rare glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s most prolific artists.

memories of ninety Years