Effie Gray, born Euphemia Chalmers Gray, on July 7, 1828, in Scotland, was the eldest of seven children. Her family was involved in the Scottish textile industry, and they had a comfortable upbringing. Effie was known for her beauty and intelligence from a young age, and it was no surprise when she caught the eye of the renowned critic, John Ruskin.
Effie's parents saw John Ruskin as an ideal match for their daughter, believing that his intellect and social status would provide her with a stable and fulfilling life. Effie and John were wed in 1844 when she was just 16 years old. However, their marriage was far from blissful.
Despite six years of marriage, Effie and John never consummated their union. John's aversion to physical intimacy left Effie increasingly frustrated and lonely. In 1854, she sought an annulment, citing non-consummation as the reason. This scandalous revelation shocked Victorian society, as it was highly unusual for a marriage to be dissolved on such grounds.
During her unhappy marriage, Effie found solace in the company of John Ruskin's protege, the talented painter John Everett Millais. As Effie grew closer to Millais, their relationship blossomed into a full-blown affair. The scandal of Effie's infidelity with her husband's protege captured the attention of the public and inspired salacious stage dramas.
After her marriage to Ruskin was annulled, Effie and Millais were able to marry in 1855. They went on to have eight children together and enjoyed a fulfilling and happy life. Effie provided unwavering support to Millais in his artistic endeavors, and their partnership was a creative force to be reckoned with.
Effie Gray's story has captivated audiences for generations, inspiring books, films, and scholarly debates. Her courage in seeking an annulment from a loveless marriage and her subsequent happy union with John Everett Millais serve as a testament to the power of love and resilience.
Emma Thompson's portrayal of Effie Gray in the 2013 film "Effie" brought her story to a new generation, shedding light on the complexities of Victorian marriage and societal expectations. Effie's legacy endures as a reminder of the strength and determination of women throughout history.
Effie Gray passed away on May 23, 1897, but her legacy lives on, immortalized in the annals of art and history.