Eric Loder – The Tatler – Wednesday 8th November 1939
Mrs. W. R. Hearst with Major Eric Loder at the Iridium Room, Manhattan Island
Eric Loder – The Tatler – Wednesday 22nd April 1925
SOCIETY IN THE SUN AT LE TOUQUET
Mrs Montefiore and Mr. Eric Loder
Lady Meyer, Mrs. Eric Loder, Mrs. L. Cohen, and Georges Carpentier
Mrs. Eric Loder is a daughter of the Hoon. Eustace Fitzgerald, and her husband is a kinsman of Sir Giles Loder,
Lady Meyer is the wife of Sir. Frank Meyer, Bart., and was formally Miss Marjorie Seeley
The Tatler – Wednesday 22nd April 1925
The Pelican – December 1915
NOVELISTS IN KHAKI.
Wonderful Story Book of “The Times” Red Cross Fund.
“Famous novelists serving in Majesty’s Forces.” These, and these alone, are the contributors to “The Times Red Cross Story Book. “ There is a story, and a good one, in that fact alone. We shall hope to hear it in full after the war.
Meanwhile, in this volume (published at ls. 6d. by Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton for The Times Red Cross Fund) there is ample evidence that their new experiences have not impaired but distinctly added to their skill in their craft. Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, A. E. W. Mason. W. B. Maxwell, Compton Mackenzie, Barry Pain, lan Hay, among a brilliant array, give us of their best. One cannot hope, in the ordinary way, to get so splendid a collection of short stories within the boards of one book. And if any inducement were needed to buy, here it is – all the profits go to the British Red Cross Society.
Simply on its past reputation “Winter’s Pie” would be sure of a gleeful welcome by the public. But the “Pie” of 1915, which s now on sale, is even more tasty and nourishing than its predecessors – and it would be hard to give it warmer praise. Twenty leading writers and fifty of our best known artiste contribute the ingredients, all carefully selected and guaranteed first class. Puzzle – find a better shillingsworth. Play-goers cannot do without the Christmas number of “The Pelican” (6d.). They will find it full to the brim of amusing stories by their favourite entertainers, of whom an imposing array, headed by Sir George Alexander and Miss Irene Vanbrugh, appears on the contents list.
The neatest contribution is the one from Miss Gabrielle Ray, who wrote, “Dear Mr. Pelican. – I said I would tell you a story. As usual, I have left things till the last minute, and now you say I shall be too late if I don’t send it at once. Well, I just can’t. And so you see I have told you a story after all, haven’t I?”
The Weekly Dispatch, London – Sunday 5th December 1915
BOOKS, ETC. FOR REVIEW.
“The Pelican.”
The Christmas number of “The Pelican” follows its usual custom of opening its pages to stories by and portraits of large number of the best known actors and actresses on the London stage The nature of its contents is something of a curiosity, and the “yarns” of its contributors make interesting reading. Although a delinquent, Miss Gabrielle Ray neatly and briefly saves the situation thus: “Dear Mr. Pelican, I said I would tell you story. As usual, I have left things till the last minute, and now you say I shall be too late if I don’t send it at once. Well, I just can’t. And so you see I have told you a story after all, haven’t I”
The Middlesex Chronicle – Saturday 4th December 1915
THE PELECAN
The Christmas Number is, as usual, replete with lengthy series of storiettes, ny leading members of the theatrical profession, all being more or less in a humorous vein. The contributors include Sir George Alexander, Miss Irene Vanburgh,. Miss Gertie Millar, Lily Elsie, Mr. Seymour Hicks, Miss Gabrielle Ray, Miss Phyllis Dare, Mr. George Graves, and Mr. Haydn Coffin, and many instances portraits accompany the letterpresses matter. This number of the “Pelican” is quite a novelty, and is obtainable at the bookstalls at 6d.
The Grantham Journal – Saturday 4th December 1915
Old Gaiety Friends – The Weekly Dispatch – Sunday 12th September 1915
Old Gaiety Friends
The two former Gaiety stars, Mist July Elsie and Miss Gabrielle Ray, are both staying in town, and I met them at the same hotel. Miss Gabrielle Ray,
looking very much better than I have seen her for many weeks, was one of a large theatrical crowd lunching at the Carlton the other afternoon.
The Weekly Dispatch, Sunday 12th September 1915
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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