Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale was the daughter of the successful barrister Matthew Inglett Fortescue-Brickdale. Her mother Sarah Anna was the daughter of a judge. As was typical for middle class girls at the time Eleanor was educated at home. She demonstrated a skill for drawing at an early age. She became an admirer and pupil of the famous art critic John Ruskin. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
