Sheila Denning

Sheila Denning (1920-2015) was a British painter of portraits, landscapes and still life who trained at The Westminster, Heatherley, and Camberwell schools of art before and after WWII.

Her output spanned six decades, from 1935 to 1994, but drew little acclaim in her lifetime.

In the context of renewed interest in the work of ‘neglected’ women artists of the twentieth century, this website aims to showcase Sheila’s best work and to draw attention to her achievements.

A selection of Sheila Denning’s work can be found in the Gallery, categorised as portraits, figure painting, self portraits, landscape, still life and drawings.

Self portrait in red headscarf, c 1946 oil on board 12 x 10 in (30 x 25 cm)

Sheila Denning Self portrait in red headscarf, c 1946

Front cover: Sheila - Portrait of an Unknown Artist

SHEILA: Portrait of an Unknown Artist

A memoir about Sheila Denning’s life and work by her daughter, writer Teresa Thornhill, will be published by Dornberger Books in January 2026.

Thornhill tells her mother’s story from the inside, describing her struggle to paint while trying to survive an abusive marriage, run a home and raise two daughters.

SHEILA: Portrait of an Unknown Artist can be purchased via Stripe using this button:

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Thornhill’s exquisite new memoir explores the struggles of her mother to combine marriage and motherhood in the mid twentieth century. Sheila Denning’s life, times, art and family are captured with clarity and insight.

Sara Robertson-Jonas
Artist

With a quiet observing eye, Teresa Thornhill tells how her mother combined motherhood with her absorbing passion – painting. Hers was a vulnerable predicament. The writing, compassionate and honest, makes for a deeply satisfying memoir.

Catherine Wilson
Artist