Who was Nellie Payne?

Ethel Field (Nellie's younger sister)

DB202

Ethelwyn Lindsay Field was born in 1869, and was Nellie’s youngest sister. Ethel was only eleven when her father died.  She later became a successful horsewoman and bred several thoroughbred horses.

She and her sisters Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Louise (Louie) moved to Launceston with their mother in 1896 and lived at “Home Lea” in Invermay.  About 1899 (or 1901) Ethel and Louie travelled to England to stay with their sister Nellie and her family.  They remained there until 1908.  Ethel and Nellie studied wood-carving and design at the University of London, and embroidery, leather-work and modelling at the South Kensington School of Art.  Ethel also made many beautiful silver pieces after studying the work of a silversmith.

Ethel was not as prolific in her works as her sister Nellie.  She did however carve many pieces for St George’s Church at Invermay, including a beautiful prayer desk and a massive altar which was dedicated just before she died.  St George’s church has now been sold, and the altar was in storage, then sold and is now part of the community chapel at Chudleigh (see photo).

Ethel died on 20/6/1931 and was buried in the Field family vault at Westbury Cemetery.

The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 – 1954), Monday 21 December 1931, page 8
The death occurred at 53 Mayne Street, Invermay, Launceston, yesterday of Miss Ethelwyn Lindsay Field, youngest daughter of the late Hon. T. W. Field, of Westfield, Westbury. Many years ago the deceased bred several thoroughbred horses, and for a considerable period resided at Invermay. She was an expert wood-carver, and some of her beautiful work is to be seen in St. George’s Church, Invermay, Mr. R. C. Field, of Tolarno, St. Leonards, is her brother. The interment is to take place In the Church of England Cemetery, Westbury, this afternoon.