She was one of three sisters, along with Rose and Lily Pettigrew, who achieved prominence as models in the London art world in the late 19th century.

[1] Born in Portsmouth in 1867, Hetty was one of twelve children (nine boys and three girls) of William Joseph Pettigrew, a cork cutter, and Harriet Davis, a seamstress.

After the sudden death of their father when Hetty was around 15 years old in 1882, she moved with her mother and two younger sisters to London to pursue artistic opportunities.

[2][3] In London, the three Pettigrew sisters established themselves as sought-after artists' models, posing for renowned painters including James McNeill Whistler, William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais (who described them as "three little gypsy girls"), John William Godward, and others.

"[4] Rose described Hetty's appearance as "Smooth, glossy chestnut hair, glorious complexion and large hazel eyes.