Janette Steer

Today's Sepia Saturday theme is 'Theatre', so I thought this picture (one of my many, growing collection of signed actress pictures from the early 20th Century) was perfect. Janette Steer was a Victorian actress who moved to London from the United States in 1893. She was well known for playing Hamlet and for being a militant feminist and suffragette- she was a close friend of the Pankhurst family and socialised with many of the suffragette actresses such as Ellen Terry. Interesting lady!

Gertie in a kilt

It's Burn's Night, I thought this picture was fitting!

Hat and gloves

Miss Phyllis Dare in a kimono

Best friends

Mabel, 1919

'With kindest regards to Pollie, from Mabel. July 1919'

With love, Gladys

Preston sweethearts

I know it's unusual to see a man on this blog, but I couldn't resist this picture- I think they are a gorgeous couple and this photo was taken in Preston, Lancashire where I went to university. I always wonder what happened to these war-time couples after the war ended; I like to think he took a copy of this with him  to the front.

A glamorous Edwardian lady

Art Deco Lady- 1923

A bob and stockings

A 'Burmese Beauty'

This postcard was sent from Rangoon on November 25th, 1910. The writer  says that the Burmese people are 'so picturesque'

A bouquet

Margaret

The date on the back is August 1917. I think she has a very modern face- don't you agree?

A WWI postcard to Laura from the Front

This postcard is incredibly special and I've been saving it for Remembrance Sunday. I bought a collection of them after seeing this one for the website. There are fourteen in all, dated from November 1917-June 1918. All are sent from Jonathan Bridges Batson to his wife, Laura, in Norfolk. It looks like he tried to write everyday- how I would love that I had the complete set! Jack, as he signs his name, was one of the lucky ones who came back from the war- and it appears he went on to run a cobbler's shop in Norwich (I'd love to find out more at some point.) The postcards aren't interesting  in the way of giving info about the war, but are touching because they show the love Jack has for Laura and his frustrations at the war. On this postcard, dated 16/3/18 he writes:

Dearest Laura,

Just a card hoping you are quite well, I had a letter from Ted last night and he says he thinks he will get another leave. I must say he is very lucky, good luck to him. That's one thing I have not had since I have been in the army. My luck seems out. What do you think of my Sunday Girl [referring to the girl on the card]? Rather lovely, ain't she? (You won't get jealous, what you [indecipherable]) Nothing doing in the way of leave yet but hope to soon hear something so.

With fondest love and heaps of kisses,

Your loving Husband,

Jack

Lest we forget.

Ivy leafed hat

A pretty German girl

Postcard of a French lady

Someone's favourite aunt

Pals

I make no bones about loving these hand tinted postcards- they are some of my favourite in my collection. This one is from around WWI.