Matriarch of the Charleston Renaissance

Join the Daniel Island Historical Society for an intimate portrayal of the life and work of Elizabeth O’Neill Verner–Matriarch of the Charleston Renaissance–as only could be told by her devoted grandson, David Verner Hamilton. Elizabeth O’Neill was born in Charleston in 1883 to a prosperous rice broker.   As a young child, she showed great talent for sketching what she described as “the things I see,”and in her ability to capture “the beauty of Charleston…a conscious blessing.”  These early skills would remain her defining characteristics as a leading artist in the Charleston Renaissance movement, and as ardent preservationist of the beauty and culture of historic Charleston.  David Verner Hamilton was born the same year his grandmother purchased her last art gallery, the 38 Tradd Street Press.  He founded and operated the David Hamilton Gallery in Charleston from 1977 to 1993, and has been associated with The Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Gallery since 1978.  In his October 18th presentation, David will share the pivotal role his grandmother played in preserving all the beauty she saw in the buildings, alleyways, marshlands, and colorful Gullah flower women of Charleston.

Our Speaker: David Verner Hamilton, grandson of Elizabeth O’Neill Verner

A sampling of works by Elizabeth O’Neill Verner:

The artist: