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Beginnings in the East End
From as early as ten years old, Klinghoffer showed striking talent in drawing, spending time sitting and sketching clients in her mother’s dress shop Upon recognising her precocious skill, a client persuaded the Klinghoffers to enable their daughter to take art lessons, and they raised enough to send her to the John Cass Institute, Aldgate, in 1914. From there, she transferred to the Central School of Arts & Crafts (1915–18), where she met the Ukrainian-born artist Bernard Meninsky, a life-drawing teacher who became her mentor and had a lasting influence on her work. She subsequently became acquainted with many other established artists including Jacob Epstein and Alfred Wolmark, both of whom also became her mentors.
Klinghoffer found readily available models from her East End community and immediate family, particularly her six sisters: Fanny, Rose, Rachel, Bertha, Leah and Hilda. Her sisters modelled for her in their home, most frequently Rose (who also sat to the sculptor Jacob Epstein) and Rachel.
Pen
Private collection. © The artist’s estate
Old Mr. Brodetsky Preparatory
Drawing, 1918
Pencil sketch
Private collection. © The artist’s estate
Old Mr. Brodetsky, 1918
Oil on canvas
Private collection. © The artist’s estate
Klinghoffer often made detailed sketches in preparation for more significant works.
