Title
Gladys Cooper
Subject
Artist
Rotary Photographic Co Ltd (London, England)
Dimensions
height: 13.6cm
width: 8.8cm
Inscription/signature
"Gladys Cooper / ROTARY PHOTO / B. 145-2." (printed on front)
Provenance
Presented by Nick Bayly and his sister Victoria Hartley, June 2023.
Other number
E0139
Black and white bromide photographic postcard depicting Dame Gladys Cooper, seemingly not in character. She wears a soft-topped hat with low brim adorned with two brooches and a satin ribbon, long beaded necklace, sheer top, and she looks straight to the camera.
The reverse has a birthday message from Vera addressed to Miss Kitty Taylor, St. Anne's School, Brow Head, Windermere. No date stamp.
Gladys Cooper (1888-1971) was a celebrated actress of the stage and screen, with a career spanning seven decades. She was renowned for her beauty; she became a photographic model in the early 1900s and was famous for her appearance on many picture postcards of the time. Postcards were cheap and reliable and were bought not just to send messages but to keep as souvenirs.