Effie Gray

The Order of Release, a painting by John Everett Millais, captured Effie Gray as a loyal Scottish wife securing her husband's freedom. This artistic collaboration occurred during a period of transition in her life, leading to the dissolution of her first marriage and a move into the center of the Pre-Raphaelite circle in the mid-nineteenth century.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1828 in Perth, Euphemia Chalmers Gray was the daughter of George Gray, a lawyer and businessman, and Sophia Margaret. Raised at Bowerswell, an Italianate house, she attended the Avonbank school in Warwickshire between 1842 and 1844. Her education was interrupted by the need to support her mother following the deaths of her siblings from scarlet fever.

Marriage to John Ruskin

In 1848, at age 19, she married the art critic John Ruskin. The union was strained from the beginning, notably during a trip to Venice where Ruskin conducted research for his book, The Stones of Venice. The marriage remained unconsummated, with Ruskin citing personal disgust toward her. In 1854, the marriage was annulled on the grounds of incurable impotency following a public scandal.

Union with John Everett Millais

Following the annulment, she married the painter John Everett Millais in 1855. The couple had eight children, including their youngest son, the bird artist and gardener John Guille Millais. She served as a manager for her husband's career, collaborating on subject selection. In 1885, her husband was created Baronet Millais of Palace Gate, granting her the title Lady Millais.

Final Years

Effie Gray continued her involvement in the art world and maintained influence over her husband's creative output until his death. Her perspective on Ruskin later proved significant when she was consulted by the parents of Rose La Touche regarding his character, describing him as oppressive. She died in 1897 and is buried at Kinnoull Churchyard in Perth.

Fast facts

• Born: 1828, Perth, Scotland
• Died: 1897, Perth, Scotland
• First husband: John Ruskin
• Second husband: John Everett Millais
• Children: Eight
• Burial site: Kinnoull Churchyard
• Movement: Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
• Title: Lady Millais

Questions readers ask

Why was the marriage to John Ruskin annulled?

The marriage was annulled in 1854 on the legal grounds of incurable impotency, as it remained unconsummated throughout its duration.

Did Effie Gray participate in the arts?

Yes, she worked as a painter and an artist's model, and she actively managed the professional career of her second husband, John Everett Millais.

Achievements

• Movement: Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood