Smyth, Edward, Mrs

Introduction:

London born and based Mrs. EDWARD SMYTH née Smith (1794-1838) is known for producing generally good quality bronze-highlighted profiles. Operating exclusively from 40 Strand, Westminster, the studio of watchmaking profilist Joshua Trewinnard (1761-1837), she partnered him between 1826-1829. After he vacated the premises, she worked there independently from 1830 until her death in 1838.

As far as known, all profiles are bust-sized with black base colour.  Female sitters are endowed with long eyelashes, and highlighting is delicately crafted. McKechnie assessed her brushwork 'fine' and bronzing 'smoothly applied'. Bust-line terminations are long, sloping, and below them is sometimes inscribed 'Mrs. Smyth, 40 Strand...' with date and year.

Works are housed in papier-maché or oval fruitwood frames, though the latter were somewhat outmoded by the 1830s and perhaps indicate later reframing. Postdating 1829, a single printed trade label 'Mrs. Smyth, Miniature Painter & Profilist, 40 Strand, two doors from Buckingham St.' is recorded.

Current research established she was born Jane Cecilia Smith in March 1794. Baptised at St. Annes, Soho,14 years later in April 1808, she was the daughter of William and Gertrude Mary Smith (dates N/K). Obviously Smith is a commom name, but given her artistic talents she may be, though confirmation is lacking, a niece of Ann née Smith (dec. after 1806), Joshua Trewinnard's first wife.

Between 1804-1806 and 1808-1818 Trewinnard entered into 2 trade-labelled studio partnerships at 40 Strand. The first was with wife Ann. Exhibiting portrait miniatures at the Royal Academy between  1797-1806, she may well have given her watchmaking husband a grounding in the art of profile taking. The second was with John Thomas Mitchell (ca.1773-1844), who also exhibited portrait miniatures at the Royal Academy between 1798-1830.

Though both were primarily miniature painters, neither can be precluded from painting silhouettes, as all extant 40 Strand profiles vary markedly in quality and lack commonality of style.

Before her marriage in 1817, it's possible Jane Cecilia Smith was already working at Trewinnard's Strand studio. Mckechnie records a 'small' conversation piece signed on the reverse 'J. Smith. 1815'  being sold at Blairmans (London) in 1948. And perhaps more conclusively a 'Miss Smith' exhibited a portrait miniature at the Royal Academy from 'Mr. Mitchells', 40 Strand'.

In March 1817 she wed Edward Smyth (ca. 1795-1854) at St. Martin-In-The-Fields. How long he was in the business is unknown, but by December 1830 his flute manufacturing partnership at 40 Strand with talented flautist Willoughby Theobald Monzani (1805-1854) was dissolved. However ROBSONS' 1835 directory still listed Smyth a ' Flute maker' and Jane Smyth an ' Artist' at the Strand address.

After 16 years of marriage Jane Smyth gave birth to her, seemingly, first child. Edward Adolphus Smyth was baptised 23rd January 1833 at St. Martin-In-The-Fields and buried there exactly 3 months later. After Jane's death Edward Smyth vacated 40 Strand, disappearing from records until dying at the 'Fever Hospital' aged 59. He was buried at St. Martin-In-The-Fields in March 1854. Aged 44, Jane Smyth's own death was registered  in the second quarter of 1838 in St. Martin-In-The-Field's parish. Her place of interment is unknown.

Revised: 23 July 2025 (Brian Wellings)