Isabella Beeton - Wonderful Woman No. 139

Isabella Beeton - 1836–1865
British Culinary Writer

Added to the album by Sarah, A Wonderful Woman

Many women from the world of food have now been included as Wonderful Women, from Elizabeth David - Wonderful Woman No. 60 to Angela Hartnett - Wonderful Woman No. 65, all very different but all having inspired something in those who have nominated them. It is fair to say that Sarah's addition of Mrs Isabella Beeton is one of the original people to ignite this type of inspiration in home cooks.

Isabella wrote a great many articles and recipes for newspapers and magazines, she wrote a monthly supplement in The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine during the 1850s and 1860s.

In 1861, the first publication of The Book of Household Management was released with instant success. The book featured over 900 recipes many with illustrations and it was really the popularity of these recipes that brought Isabella such fame and notoriety. The book was also something of a guide for a Victorian 'lady-of-the-house,' it contained advice on rearing children, social etiquette, employing servents and also spoke of science, religion and industrialialism. Long before such ideas were popular, Isabella wrote about the importance of using seasonal

and local produce, the welfare of animals and an understanding of what goes into the food people eat.

A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Mrs Beeton - The Book of Household Management

In 1858, Britain suffered a particularly harsh winter and during this time Isabella turned her culinary skill to help those most in need, by opening a soup kitchen for poverty stricken children in her own home.

Isabella, who died when just 28 years old, became the first woman to have her portrait bought and hung in The National Gallery , in 1938. She is still remembered by many as a real pioneer in the art of food.

As I said in the opening paragraph, we have celebrated a number of women for their excellent careers in catering, I think though, Isabella was an original, an innovator and it is this which makes her most welcome in this album.

The true woman combines with mere tact that subtle sympathy which makes her the loved companion and friend alike of husband, children and all around her.
Isabella Beeton