Amy Krauss

Amy Eliza Krauss RWA (January 1876 – 26 December 1961) was a British artist known for painting in oils and watercolours, and latterly ceramics. She is best known for the painting in the Royal Collection in Queen Mary's Dolls' House at Windsor Castle and her close friendship with Frances Hodgkins.

Early life and education Krauss was born in Bristol to a German father Augustus Krauss and English mother Alice Eliza Krauss (nee Elliott). She was the second of at least 5 children. Her mother died in the 1880s and she was raised by her maternal aunt. She spent her childhood in the city before studying at the Royal West of England Academy, later being elected to their fellowship. She was also one of the founding members of The Clifton Arts Club. She had painting lessons from Alfred William Rich and went on to study art at the Académie Colarossi, Paris from 1908 to 1913. Whilst in Paris she met many of the artists who had influenced her including the Scottish Colourists Samuel Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson and Leslie Hunter. It was also in Paris that she first met Frances Hodgkins.

Career Krause exhibited extensively from 1907 – 1915 including at the Royal Academy, Walker Art Gallery, the New English Art Club and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Krauss returned to Bristol at the outbreak of the First World War and worked as a draughtswoman for the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company and from 1915 -1918 was their principal women's welfare officer. In September 1915 Krauss joined Hodgkins’ sketching class in St Ives in September 1915. After this the main focus of her work shifted to pottery, firstly working for Fishley Holland Pottery, Devon, and going on to share a studio with Sibley Pottery, Sandford, near Wareham, Dorset. along with works by others including Paul Nash Hodgkins was a regular visitor to Corfe Castle staying with Krauss at her at her home, Redlane Cottage and Krauss would accompany her on the opening of her exhibitions in London. In August 1941 looked after Hodgkins there whilst she was recuperating after an operation. After Hodgkins' death in 1947 Krauss boxed up the possessions from her studio and arranged for her ashes to be returned to New Zealand.

Style Krauss painting was influenced by her friend Frances Hodgkins and the Scottish Colourists, and her work has been compared to that of Leslie Hunter. Her pottery was influenced by peasant wares she collected whist traveling in France and Italy. Most of her pieces could be used as domestic ware. These were mainly small pieces which was dictated by the modest equipment in her studio including the size of her oil-fired kiln.