LGBTQ+ History: Sally ‘Tammie’ Ryan

Sally ‘Tammie’ Ryan (born Sarah Tack Ryan in 1916) was an American artist and sculptor who openly lived with a Canadian pianist by the name of Ellen Ballon; she is therefore viewed as a lesbian or queer icon. The pair were casually outed as lovers in the biography of artist, Jacob Epstein by June Rose entitled Demons and Angels. The great-nephew of Ellen Ballon, who was a long-term partner of Sally is reportedly in the midst of writing a biography of Ellen, which will, of course, include her relationship with ‘Tammie’.

One of the co-founders of the Garman-Ryan Collection housed at The New Art Gallery, Walsall, Sally Ryan was the inspiration for the gallery’s Here&Queer project which featured artworks that had been re-examined through a queer lens, thus cementing them as part of the West Midland’s LGBTQ+ history.

“Born in New York, Sally Ryan was said to be somewhat quiet and aloof, though with a dogged determination. Androgynous in appearance, preferring traditionally masculine clothing, and openly gay, she defied the typical gender norms of the time,” explains Julie Brown, Curator at New Art Gallery, Walsall.

The Garman-Ryan collection was first formed by Sally Ryan and Kathleen Garman (a lifelong friend who had grown up locally) in the years following the death of Jacob Epstein, Garman’s husband. Sally’s inheritance from their grandfather afforded them many luxuries, and contributed to many of the artworks in the collection including masterpieces from artists such as Constable, Degas, Matisse and Monet. As well as works by both Epstein and Ryan, the collection also includes examples by members of the wider Garman-Epstein circle. The Garman Ryan collection now has 365 objects in total, making it the heart of Walsall’s Art Gallery.

The Martinique by Sally Ryan

Sixteen of Ryan’s own works were gifted to the town of Walsall in 1973 by Kathleen Garman who wanted to give the collection to the borough, believing in the importance of culture outside of London. In the late 1990s, a further eight works came as part of an archive of material through Kathleen’s estate, adding to The New Art Gallery’s collection.

“Much has been written about the extraordinary Epstein/Garman families but Ryan is a more mysterious, shadowy presence amid the collection It was suspected that information about Sally, for example letters written to Kathleen, were carefully edited out of Kathleen’s archives before they came to Walsall, by the woman who inherited her papers.” Julie Brown adds.

Sally Ryan in her studio

In the 1950s, due to her declining health, Ryan switched from sculpting to painting flowers, landscapes and portraits. In 1968, Ryan died of throat cancer. Ellen became the chief beneficiary of her will, and $50,000, as well as her art collection was bequeathed to Kathleen Garman to establish the Garman-Ryan collection.

Read more about Sally Ryan.