WOMEN who fought against prejudice to pursue their artistic ambitions are highlighted in a new book by biographer and picture researcher Caroline Chapman.

'Eighteenth-Century Women Artists' charts the trials, tribulations and successes of a group of 24-female artists who succeeded in the arts despite societal opposition to their career choice in what was, back then, a man's world.

Ms Chapman, a prolific history writer who lives in Grewelthorpe near Masham, considers the artists’ studios, the problems of obtaining adequate training, how their art was sold and the role of patrons in their lives.

She also discusses their relationship with lady amateur artists and what changes the 19th century brought about for women artists.

The book highlights success stories such as Angelica Kauffman, the Swiss-born artist who became one of the two female founder-members of the Royal Academy in London, and Elisabeth Vigée le Brun who worked throughout Europe and in Russia.

Others are now almost forgotten but their achievements have not gone unobserved by Ms Chapman.

She said: "‘These women artists produced exceptional work at a time when society disapproved of their profession.

"Each of them, from the famous to the obscure, deserves more attention and appreciation.

"I hope readers will be surprised and impressed by the range of their work and the level of achievement of this diverse group of women artists."

  • The book was recently launched at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle and is available at Amazon.co.uk and from The Little Ripon Bookshop and from White Rose Books, Thirsk.