Mary Brewster Hazelton
Mary Brewster Hazelton (1868-1953) was a distinguished Wellesley artist known for her portraiture, landscapes, and murals. Born in Milton, Hazelton moved to Wellesley in 1873 with her family and resided at 162 Washington Street. The family then moved to 319 Washington Street in 1884, where they lived for over 80 years. It is likely that the porch depicted in this painting is the family’s home at 319 Washington Street. The home was purchased by the Unitarian Society of Wellesley Hills in 1966 and later moved to 151 Oakland Street where it still stands.
Mary Brewster Hazelton graduated from Wellesley High School and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), graduating in 1892. She studied under Edmund Tarbel and Frank Benson and later taught painting and drawing classes at the school. Hazelton was the first recipient of the SMFA Paige Traveling Fellowship in 1899, affording her the opportunity to study painting in Europe.
Upon her return from Europe, Hazelton established her own studio in Boston. She won notoriety and commissions for her portrait work executed in the Boston School style, a blend of realism and impressionism. Hazelton also painted impressionistic landscapes and still lifes. Her preferred medium was oil on canvas and she often utilized frames made by noted arts and crafts framer Walfred Thulin. She was also well known within the Wellesley community for painting the stunning murals at the First Congregational Church of Wellesley Hills.
Mary Brewster Hazelton never married and lived at 319 Washington Street with her two sisters, Olivia and Margaret. Painting was her livelihood and she was a prolific artist. Her brother, Isaac Brewster Hazelton, was also an accomplished commercial artist.
The Wellesley Historical Society is home to over sixty Mary Brewster Hazelton paintings. The WHS also houses the Hazelton Family Archival Collection, which contains many sketches by Mary Brewster Hazelton as well as her correspondence, business papers, financial documents, and photographs.
