Pyjama day
Wearing pyjamas or lingerie in postcards isn’t very unusual but in the Edwardian era it was seen as quite risque, Pauline Chase scandalised American audiences when she appeared in a clinging pair of pink pyjamas as Kathleen Gay in “The Liberty Belles”in 1901 whilst Miss Gabrielle Ray “appeared in pink pyjamas and danced in them, every young man’s head was awhirl” when she appeared as “Thisbe” in “The Orchid” in 1903 and of course I would be very remiss if I failed to mention the delightful Rosaleen Young wearing pink pyjamas for a photo shoot, some things are just too good not to be repeated 😉
Gabrielle Ray (Davidson Bros.4084.X)
Festive greeting to all who have viewed and commented during the year
Birthday Greetings (J. Beagles 951)
Birthday Greetings (J. Beagles 951)
Birthday Greetings (J. Beagles 951 H)
Gabrielle Ray, was born Gabrielle Elizabeth Clifford Cook on 28th April 1883 in Cheadle, Stockport Cheshire.
Pink Pyjama Girl
In 1903 Gabrielle Ray appeared as “Thisbe” in “The Orchid” as part of her performance she wore a pink pyjama suit for a song and dance routine called “The Pink Pyjama Girl”. A hundred years later Rosaleen Young wore a pink pyjama suit for this photo shoot.
Seasons Greetings – Gabrielle Ray (Rotary X.S.113.A)
Seasons greetings to all those who have visited this site and added their comments.
Gabrielle Ray (Rotary 4820 D)
For those who have visited this blog over the past few months it will be quite obvious that I love old pictures and postcards that give us a brief glimpse into a past and forgotten age.
My interests 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 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 scares.
Searching for information about Miss Ray I discovered that she was one of the most photographed women of the time; 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.
My collection of Miss Ray, although small is growing and this is my favourite picture of her.
The photographer is able to manipulate the image through lighting, dress and expression. However there are times when, perhaps in an unguarded moment the subject is caught and the image produced conveys more than possibly intended. It may be that having read the final chapter of Miss Ray’s life, the heros, villians, plot and ultimate ending is known and so our own interpretation of a particular image becomes coloured. For me this image shows Miss Ray as thoughtful, reflective but more than that, there is a sadness shown in her eyes. Has the photoprapher caught a prophetic image of the future, do her eyes give us a hint of her sad future? Hopefully not. When I saw this card I knew that I had to have it regardless of the cost.
The post date is June 1908, Miss Ray would have been 21.
About
My wife, bless her tells me that I am rapidly becoming, or perhaps that should read have become a “Grumpy old fart”, so what better forum to spread my doom, gloom and paranoia than WordPress. I also have a love of old pictures, postcards and Edwardian Actresses, in particular Miss Gabrielle Ray which I hope to share at regular intervals. As my collection has grown I have set up another blog which contains only pictures of Miss Ray. Gabrielle Ray Thank you for viewing and comments are welcome.
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Grumpy old fart!!! 