Gerald L. Brockhurst

Gerald Brockhurst was a British artist known for his refined etchings and elegant portraits, especially of idealized women. Born in Birmingham, he entered the Birmingham School of Art at twelve and later studied at the Royal Academy Schools, winning a scholarship to travel in France and Italy. The influence of Renaissance masters shaped his distinctive style.

He married Frenchwoman Anais Folin in 1914 and lived in Ireland for several years, where he developed friendships with artists like Augustus John. Though he began etching early, his printmaking career took off around 1920, with Anais often serving as his model. Returning to London, he gained prominence as both a printmaker and society portraitist, painting figures such as Marlene Dietrich and the Duchess of Windsor.

Scandal surrounded his affair with Kathleen Woodward ("Dorette"), prompting his move to the U.S. in 1939. He divorced Anais in 1940 and married Dorette in 1947. In America, he focused on portraiture, while his print output declined. He was elected an Associate of the National Academy of Design in 1951.

Brockhurst died in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, in 1978. He is best remembered for his technically superb and hauntingly beautiful etchings.