Mrs Eric Loder – The Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette – Friday 9th July 1926
By Direction of Mrs.Eric Loder.
CLOSE TO STOKE POGES, BUCKS.
Four miles from Slough and 22 miles from London.
Notice of Sale of
THE Exceptionally Attractive FREEHOLD RESIDENCE, known as “WOOANDS,” FARNHAM COMMON, an old-fashioned residence with beautiful gardens, in all nearly ¼ acres; the accommodation is 6 bed and dressing rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, full domestic offices, excellent cottage with further domestic accommodation if required (6 rooms), squash racquet court, hard tennis court, beautiful rose garden, electric light, company’s water. The Property is a few minutes walk from Burnham Beeches, between Slough and Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross, 4 miles from Maidenhead, 4 ½ from Windsor and Eton, and about 10 miles from Ascot. Golf can be enjoyed at a choice of five’ courses including Stoke Poges.
Messrs. LANE, SAVILLE & CO.
Are instructed to dispose of the above Property by Private Treaty, or by Auction. in London,
On AUGUST 10th, 1926.
Particulars can he obtained of the Vendors’ Solicitors, Messrs. Rider, Heaton, Meredith Mills, 8, New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London, W.C.2 ; or of the Auctioneers, 14, Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London, W.I.
The Uxbridge & W. Drayton Gazette – Friday 9th July 1926
Gabrielle Ray – Engagement – The Brighton Argus – Thursday 11th January 1912
ERIC LODER’S ENGAGEMENT.
Mr. Eric Loder, whose engagement to Miss Gabrielle Ray, the famous musical comedy artist, is announced from Paris, is a grandson of the late Sir Robert Loder, Bart., and nephew of Sir Edmund G. Loder, Bart., of Leonardslee, Mr. G. W. E. Loder, formerly M.P. for Brighton, and Major Eustace Loder, a well-known personality on the Turf. Mr. Eric Loder is in his twenty-fourth year, and is a son of the late Mr. Alfred Basil Loder. He is an enthusiastic motorist, and a popular figure at Brooklands. Four years ago Mr. Basil Charles Loder, elder brother of Mr. Eric Loder, resigned his commission in the Scots Guards and married Miss Barbara Deane, one of the most, charming singers in Mr. Seymour Hicks’ “Gay Gordons” company,
The Brighton Argus – Thursday 11th January 1912
Gabrielle Ray – Marriage – The Leicester Daily Mercury – Friday 1st March 1912
MISS GABRIELLE RAY WEDDED
CEREMONY AT WINDSOR.
The marriage of Miss Gabrielle Ray, musical comedy actress, to Mr. Eric Loder, which was to have taken place at Windsor Roman Catholic Church yesterday, was solemnised there this morning. The bride motored from London with another lady. Only a few people were present at the ceremony.
The Leicester Daily Mercury – Friday 1st March 1912
Mrs Eric Loder – The Bystander – Wednesday 27th July 1938
Left: Mrs. Eric Loder was playing Deauville golf with Auguste Boyer, one of the leading French professionals.
Formerly Eleanor Curran of Louisiana, she was the widow of Sir Mortimer Davies when she married Major Eric Loder six years ago.
The Bystander – Wednesday 27th July 1938
Eric Loder – The Tatler – Wednesday 10th August 1932
COOLTH ON THE TENNIS COURT
While Captain Hill-yard remains faithful to the more orthodox tennis outfit, Mr. Derek Studley Herbert and Major Eric Loder believe in the elimination of superfluities. The result, as far as Major Loder is concerned, is a rich mahogany disguise, but Lady Seafield’s tall husband is still recognisable. This snapshot was taken at Mr “Bill” Burton’s lovely place up at Mougins, where, amongst many other attractions, he has a really fine hard court.
The Tatler – Wednesday 10th August 1932
Gabrielle Ray – Engagement – The Civil & Military Gazette – Friday 2nd February 1912
The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent is informed that Mr. Eric Loder, son of Mr. Alfred Loder and nephew of Major Eustace Loder, has become engaged to Miss Gabrielle Ray the musical comedy actress. Mr. Loder, who is staying at the Hotel Murice, confirmed the news of his engagement. Miss Ray, when seen later, also smilingly confirmed the news, but said she would prefer to make no statement for publication. No date is yet fixed for the marriage. An enthusiastic Frenchman, writing in the Temps, described Miss Ray as the prettiest actress on the English stage and the most beautiful woman in the United Kingdom.
The Civil & Military Gazette – Friday 2nd February 1912
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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