Pageant Truly Play'd: Constance Smedley and Maxwell Armfield: Writers and Artists

Maxwell Armfield and Constance Smedley were an unconventional couple who achieved success in various arts, with Max focusing on painting and Connie on writing. They studied at the Birmingham School of Art and founded the Lyceum Club, the first women-only London club. They later moved to the US, where their endeavors in embroidery, teaching drama, and exhibitions received interest and praise.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 December 2020
Publisher: Brewin Books

Maxwell Armfield and Constance Smedley were a unique couple who deserve greater recognition. Both were accomplished in various arts, with Maxwell's primary focus being painting and Constance's being writing. Tessa West's delightful book, A Pageant Truly Played, delves into the separate and joint lives of these creative and resourceful individuals.

The Armfields studied at the Birmingham School of Art in the late 1900s but did not meet until some years later. Despite a childhood disability, Connie had already established an artistic life by founding the Lyceum Club, the first women-only London club. This significant achievement marked her artistic journey.

In 1911, the Armfields married and relocated outside of London, where Maxwell combined caring for Connie with his painting. Their participation in a local fete solidified their fondness for the Cotswolds. However, they also spent seven years in the US, where their endeavors, ranging from embroidery to teaching drama and organizing exhibitions, garnered interest and praise.

Maxwell Armfield's artistic journey was marked by his dedication to painting. He studied at the Royal College of Art and later became a member of the Royal Society of Painters in Water Colours. His work encompassed landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, and he exhibited his paintings at prestigious galleries and museums.

Constance Smedley, on the other hand, was a talented writer. She published several books, including "The House of Mirth," which was praised for its portrayal of women's lives in Victorian England. Her writing was known for its wit, insight, and social commentary, and she received critical acclaim for her works.

Despite their different artistic pursuits, Maxwell and Constance were deeply supportive of each other's work. They encouraged each other's creativity and supported each other's endeavors. Their partnership was a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to thrive in different artistic mediums.

Maxwell and Constance Armfield's lives were filled with adventure, creativity, and dedication. They left a lasting legacy in the arts, inspiring future generations of artists and writers. Their story serves as a reminder that creativity knows no boundaries and that individuals can achieve great things through collaboration and hard work.

In conclusion, Maxwell Armfield and Constance Smedley were a remarkable couple who deserve more attention for their contributions to the arts. Their separate and joint lives, filled with creativity, adventure, and dedication, serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability to thrive in different artistic mediums. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and writers, and their story will be remembered for generations to come.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 171 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781858587226