User:Bensincl/Mary Jane Hancock

Mary Jane Hancock (1810-1896), an artist and amateur botanist, was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in England. She was a prominent member within the the north east society, partially due to her connections with other scientists and well educated individuals such as Lord and Lady Armstrong of Cragside. She is most known for her watercolour paintings and later became elected as a member of the Natural History Society of Northumbria at age 74.

Early Life and Death
Mary Jane Hancock was born in 1810 in Newcastle upon Tyne and grew up with her four brothers, Thomas, Albany, John and William. She died November 27th 1896

Career
She was primarily a house keeper for her bachelor brothers. In her own personal time she was an accomplished painter and botanist. However, she was considered a hobbyist by professionals due to her being a woman. In 1884 at the age of 74, she became an elected member of the Natural History Society of Northumbria. Which coincided with the opening of the Hancock Museum (now known as The Great North Museum: Hancock).