Betts, Mr and Mrs (McKechnie Section 1)

See also Section Six

It seems that several artists named Betts, all from one family, were working during the 1840s, and that they were either based on or lived in the town that is now called Shipston-on-Stour, in Warwickshire. Jackson (Dictionary) describes Betts as a cutter, working in 1847, who made a 'newly-invented Machine for reducing the Life-Shadow'. She also mentions a Mrs Betts, who painted profiles in greyish black with detail in heavy black lines. To complicate the matter, there is in the Patton collection a cut full-length profile, signed 'Betts, 1847'; this is painted in the manner described by Jackson as the work of Mrs Betts. Also Foskett mentions a miniature, painted 1830-40 in colour, which was inscribed on the back, 'Miss S. Betts, artist from Shipton.'

296, 297

The discovery of an undated handbill of Mr Betts, owned by Miss E. P. Cooke, of Halford, Warwickshire, throws further light on Mr Betts and his family. The text reads as follows:

MR BETTS,

ARTIST

FROM LONDON, & BATH.

Previous to his return to London, begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry and Inhabitants in general that he intends practising his profession at the above place, for a limited number of days, and solicits the favor of their support.

Striking Likeness'

taken by Mr. Betts's newly invented and unerring front Faced Machine the

PHYSIOGNATRACE

for ONE SHILLING,

Bronzed and Decorated for 2s. 6d. and the Artist engages in every instance to give an acknowledged Beautifully Coloured Miniature Profile, highly finished for 5s. to such persons as feel desirous of obtaining a correct resemblance of themselves or friends, this must be a desideratum.

Miniatures on Ivory from one to two Guineas.

Families attended at their Houses, without any extra charge: Children of every size taken in Bust or represented at their favourite pursuits or diversions.

The following is an extract from the Bristol Journal:-

'The reputation of Mr. BETTS is now so fully established, that nothing need be said to convince the Public of the certainty of obtaining a Correct Likeness; and where the Charge is so trifling, to neglect this only opportunity of possessing a lasting remembrance of Parents we revere, Children we love, or Friends we esteem, may be a source of never-failing regret.'

LIKENESSES OF ALL DISCRIPTIONS COPPIED.

Mr. B. begs to inform such Ladies as may feel desirous to learn the beautiful art of ORIENTAL & MEZZO TINTING, that he can teach those elegant accomplishments in FOUR LESSONS, for ONE GUINEA! the beauties and utility of those Arts it is impossible to describe within the limits of a bill, as they are alike applicable to Paper, Wood, Velvet, Glass, &c. and would be found useful as well as ornamental for Fire-screens, Windows, Work-boxes, Dressing-cases, &c.

Specimens of Miniatures, Profiles, Oriental Tinting, and Mezzotinting, may be seen at the Artist's Rooms. ùLessons in Miniature Painting.

N.B. Musical Instruments, Fancy Boxes, &c., &c. French Polished

J. Grinnell, Printer, Broadway.

This handbill bears the address of the 'Bell Inn, Halford', added in handwriting, which makes it clear that it was used in the neighbourhood of the family home in Shipston-on-Stour. It also states that Mr Betts had visited London, Bath and Bristol. He appears to have invented a version of the physiognotrace, and it is possible that, with his wife, he produced profiles by this means. The Miss Betts referred to by Foskett may have been their daughter, and may have painted the coloured miniatures on ivory which, on the handbill, are offered for sale at from one to two guineas. Betts appears also to have been a drawing master, a teacher of mezzotint engraving, and a French polisher.

Matters are complicated, however, by the trade label which Jackson mentions. This reads, 'Mrs. Betts, Artist, Shopton' (Shipton, misspelt), and we can only surmise that she saw it on a profile similar to the example illustrated here, which is painted in the manner described by Jackson as being typical of Mrs Betts, although it is simply signed 'Betts, 1847'. Though Mr Betts' handbill is printed, Jackson does not mention whether the label is printed or lettered by hand.

To summarize, we can only guess that the three Betts's worked as a family partnership. Mr and Mrs Betts produced silhouettes, either bronzed or decorated in black on dark grey, and their daughter, Miss S. Betts, painted coloured miniatures.

The illustrated example is painted in the style of many other artists working at the time, and the work might therefore be difficult to attribute if it were unsigned. The extensive use of gum arabic against a dark grey background is evident, and the hair is well shown The sitter's buttons and spectacles are also carefully drawn.

It seems doubtful that Mr and Mrs Betts painted bust-length profiles, since only one price is given on the handbill, 2s 6d (which was, in fact, low for full-length work). The handbill mentions 'copying' of other profiles; this increases the difficulty of identifying unsigned examples. On other handbills, however, which have not survived, both bust- and full-length work may have been offered, and prices quoted.

Ills. 296, 297