Dates of Creation: [ca. 1884]

Physical Description: 1 photograph : b&w ; 13.5 x 10.5 cm

Location: Beaton Institute Archives

Reference Number: 12.189.4A P12

Scope and Content:
Item is a photograph of a young Hetty Kimber at Colby farm, Sydney.

Hester "Hetty" Donne Kimber was born in Grand Tew, Oxfordshire, England in 1854. She was educated in England and received attention for her artistic abilities although she was never formally trained as an artist. For a time, she worked in a London stationery shop and later became a companion to an elderly couple. She came to Canada in 1881 and lived with her brother Frederick Clifford Kimber at 62 Park Street, Sydney.

Hetty became close friends with Louise McLennan, at times acting as governess to the children. The two began a group of ladies who would tour Cape Breton, learning its history and painting its scenery. She was a talented artist and enjoyed designing personalized cards for various occasions. She was also actively involved with the Louisbourg branch of the I.O.D.E..

Hetty remained a close family friend to Katharine McLennan throughout her life. She died on June 6, 1946 at her residence at the age of 92.