The Linkman – The Tatler – Wednesday 25th February 1903
“The Linkman.” Before extinguishing the “sacred lamp of burlesque” (I think that is the trusty phrase) at the old Gaiety Mr. George Edwardes- has revived the lights of other days in The Linkman, which was produced after The Toreador on Saturday night. In the course of a bright hour we looked into a kaleidoscope of perplexing variety. From the dusty corners of the property-room fifteen old Gaiety successes from The Forty Thieves downwards and forty-one characters passed in quick succession, presented by fourteen of the present-day principals. Fred Leslie and Nellie Farren, E. J. Lonnen, Seymour Hicks, and the rest of them passed as quickly before us as did the warlocks that bewildered Tam o’ Shanter. Miss Ethel Sydney, whose imitation of Miss St. John – especially in the pronunciation of the term, “words” – was photographic, made the house die with laughter when she resurrected Miss Ellaline Terriss. Mr. Mackinder was very daring when he appeared perspiring (with grease paint) as Mr. Seymour Hicks used to do after his enormous energies. Miss Violet Lloyd gave us a capital Letty Lind, but Mr. Grattan’s Arthur Roberts was only so so.
The Gaiety Burlesque of Stall Rudeness. – I the roughly enjoyed the skit in The Toreador of the appalling bad manners that distinguish the stalls of our playhouses. Mr.. Grossmith sits in a chair with Mr. Payne in the pit behind him unable to see anything. “I’ve seen this piece sixty-two- times,” says Mr. Grossmith with his drawl. “I don’t think I’ll see it once,” says Mr. Payne, whose demand for his rights leads to a mimic melee in the pit with its familiar “Sit down!” It’s very amusing indeed. The dummy motor race is also screamingly funny.
The Tatler – Wednesday 25th February 1903
The Hon. Mrs. James Beck- The Tatler – Wednesday 26 November 1930
THE HON. MRS. JAMES BECK
The portrait by Mr. Cecil Beaton, which is included in “The Book of Beauty,” which he has just had published by Messrs. Duckworth, and which includes numerous photographs and also sketches of the people with whom the book deals. The author in his preface tells us that his greatest heroines in his childhood’s days were not the Maid of Orleans, or the Lady of the Lamp, but Lily Elsie, Gabrielle Ray, and Queen Alexandra. The author’s study of beauty has taken in its present shape this collection of all the most decorative people of to-day and yesterday. The Hon. Mrs. James Beck is Lord Glenconner’s sister.
The Tatler – Wednesday 26t November 1930
About
One of my main interests is a love of old pictures and postcards that give us a brief glimpse into a past and often forgotten age.
Collecting old postcard and pictures enables the viewer to glimpse a brief moment from that individual’s life; often far removed from their own either by the passage of time or social class. Social History, often described as “history from below” shows everyday people, their social structure and the interaction of different groups; like the wealthy and politicians these people helped shape and maintain society and so shape history.
Examining the images one can’t help but wonder how the individuals lived, were their lives hard compared with today and were they happy. Often the images come with little or no information that can answer these questions, one can only imagine.
With each image saved and seen by others, so that moment, that person is kept alive, our understanding is increased and so our lives are enriched.
A picture is often more descriptive than words can ever be, but how true is this, if a picture enables us to gain entry to another time, another world, will, like the view from a different window, even in the same house provide a different image?
These images allow a glimpse into another time, another era; but what preceded or followed this image? As the individuals were positioned and posed like an artist’s model is what we see truly reflective or like the slightly softened image of an aging beauty a less that truthful representation?
I am reminded of a documentary I watched several years ago regarding the returning troops from the front during the First World War. The camera images show a broken, demoralised sea of humanity, young men who having seen images that most of us hope never to witness had lost that sparkle; that zest which only youth has. But bring on the news camera and that battered returning group came to life, the smiles returned and even though muddied and bloodied their heads and bodies became erect, their arms swung in time and they demonstrated a swagger that spoke of courage, defiance and determination; an image that gave hope to the viewer.
It seems to me that even in the early days of photography all was not what it appeared and now in the advancing digital age a picture may paint a thousand words but will it be factual or fiction?
My interests And collections vary from Maids, Nuns, religious dress and the more risqué images of the French Maid. Often when searching for a particular subject the boundaries cross and as well as true Maids we find Edwardian actresses dressed as Nuns or Maids. During one of my searches I came across Gabrielle Ray dressed as a Maid, “Susan” in Lady Madcap and was instantly captivated by her.
Collecting the individual cards isn’t enough; I like to know more about the individual, which is easier when that person is an actress, although often the information is scarce
Searching for information about Miss Ray I discovered that she was one of the most photographed women of the Edwardian era and described in “Temps” as the most beautiful woman in the United Kingdom; but sadly her success, if measured by being visibly working or in the public eye was short-lived. She struggled with depression and alcohol abuse, and her health declined. In 1936, she suffered a complete mental breakdown and was institutionalized for nearly forty years; dying in 1973 at Holloway Sanatorium at the age of 90.
There are several other sites and blogs dedicated to the memory of Miss Ray and my intention is to share my small but growing collection of pictures and postcards with anyone who shares my interest. Reading about Miss Ray I was saddened that this lady, like many others before and since, after a brief moment in the sun they are soon forgotten. Hopefully as people view and enjoy this blog her memory will remain alive for a little longer.
I have started to write a short Biography about Miss Ray which I will try to update as frequently as possible. The Index page will show any updates under the Biography catagory.
I have also tried to link the various postcards and pictures to the plays in which Miss Ray appeared, however I realise, after several errors that this isn’t an easy task as many are decorative studio poses rather than production images. The individual Rotary, Philco and other publishers numbers are included with any description which should make searching for a particular card or ones from the same set easier. If I have made any glaring errors please feel free to let me know.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy my collection as much as I do.
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