June 6, 2007

Drexel University College of Medicine is lending its portrait of Margaret Kelly, mother of Princess Grace of Monaco, to the Grimaldi Forum, a convention and international art center in Monaco. The portrait will be used in Les Annees Grace Kelly (The Grace Kelly Years), an exhibition in homage to Princess Grace, being presented this summer. The exhibition will retrace all the various periods of the late princess’ life, including her time growing up in Philadelphia.

Grace Kelly was a friend to the former Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel University College of Medicine) through her mother Margaret. Margaret Kelly (1898-1990) was an active member of the Board of Corporators of Woman’s Medical College and served as its chairman in 1945. She was also chairman of the nursing school committee and helped to found the auxiliary. Princess Grace visited the College with her mother many times over the years, and participated in various fundraisers.

The portrait, showing Margaret Kelly seated in a blue suit and pearls, was painted by Marc C. Schoettle and commissioned by the alumnae. It was presented to the College in 1971 and hangs in an auditorium of the campus on Queen Lane in East Falls.

“This portrait is a very special piece for the College,” said Joanne Grossman, director of Archives and Special Collections for Drexel University College of Medicine. “Margaret Kelly was an important person in our history and a dear friend to our community. We are very proud to share this beautiful work of art with the many visitors who will experience the exhibit.” 

The portrait will be returned to Drexel University College of Medicine at the conclusion of the exhibition, which runs from July 11 through September 23, 2007.