In some ways, it was tough to listen to the history of another of history’s forgotten brilliant women; to swallow the bitter pill that while her abusive husband was recognised and celebrated by the art world, Jean’s work often languished in the shadows (Frances Borzello speculated that the Royal Academy only elected her as they “felt sorry for her”); to look at self-portraits showing her black eyes and her raw emotions. But in another, much more meaningful way, the audience got to see the real Jean Cooke – quietly rebellious, tenacious, a survivor and an exceptionally talented artist. She captured the fleeting beauty of life and nature with an eye that also understood the stark realities of domestic violence and quietly shamed those who chose to ignore it. 

Following the talk, many members of the audience revealed that they had personally known Jean Cooke – neighbours, friends, fellow Blackheath High parents and alumnae related anecdotes that brought her wonderfully to life and once again demonstrated that she was far more than the sum of her poor home life. It was fantastic to look deep into the enigma and see the real woman. 

Frances’ talk demonstrated one certainty - Jean Cooke is a name people ought to know. 

You can read more about Jean’s life through the lens of the recent ‘Ungardening’ exhibition at the Garden Museum. 

Frances Borzello has written several books on the connections between art and life, including 'The Naked Nude', a study of the new face of the contemporary nude; 'Seeing Ourselves', a history of women artists’ self portraits; and due out this autumn, 'A World of Our Own', a study of how women artists managed to work in a man’s world.