A painter with royal patrons
Du Cane was born in Hobart, where her father Charles was Governor of Tasmania. The family soon returned to England, and she grew up at Braxted Park in Essex. Her formal artistic instruction was limited, but garden knowledge, painting ability and family connections helped bring commissions.
She exhibited in London from the 1890s. Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales became patrons, purchasing views of royal gardens. Illustrated books for A & C Black later carried her work to readers who could not visit the places she painted. Her Japanese garden pictures also contributed to a growing interest in Japanese garden design in Britain.
Two sisters making a book
The Flowers and Gardens of Japan was published in 1908. Its title states the division of work: painted by Ella Du Cane and described by Florence Du Cane. Florence’s preface explains that the volume is selective, concentrating on flowers notable for beauty, abundance or cultural association. It also acknowledges assistance with legends and tales.
Ella’s compositions use the intervals around blossoms as well as their colour. Flowering branches can frame a pagoda, while an expanse of pond separates foreground birds from buildings beyond. The pictures establish a chosen viewpoint; the prose supplies names, seasonal context and interpretations. Together they form a particular visitor’s presentation of Japanese gardens, with the sisters’ distinct work visible within the same volume.
