Alice Frederica Edmondstone, The Hon. Mrs George Keppel (1868-1947) and her daughter Violet Keppel, later Mrs Denys Robert Trefusis (1894-1970), Xmas 1899.
Alice Hughes (1857-1939) [photographer] London
Category
Photographs
Date
Dec 1899
Materials
photographic paper, textile and leather
Measurements
380 mm (H)288 mm (W)145 mm (H)98 mm (W)
Place of origin
Gower Street
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246717
Caption
The strength of the bond between mother and daughter is expressed through an intense gaze in this tenderly posed photograph of Violet Keppel (1894–1972) and her mother Alice (1868–1947). It was taken by the trailblazing society photographer Alice Hughes, who ran her own photography studio at 52 Gower Street, London, specialising in photographs of women, often with their children. Mrs Margaret Greville (1863–1942) received this print as a Christmas gift. Later godmother to Keppel’s younger daughter Sonia (1900–86), Mrs Greville also maintained strong links to the royal family, having become friends with Keppel through the ‘Marlborough House Set’ that surrounded the future King Edward VII (Keppel was acknowledged as his mistress). In 1995 this image received royal approval to appear on a first-class stamp. Further Hughes photographs, including one of Mrs Greville in front of this same backdrop, feature in a remarkable album at Polesden Lacey portraying guests at the 1897 Devonshire House Ball.
Summary
Platinum photograph of Alice Frederica Edmondstone, The Hon. Mrs George Keppel (1868-1947) and her daughter Violet Keppel, later Mrs Denys Robert Trefusis (1894-1970), Xmas 1899 taken by photographer Alice Hughes, Gower Street, London. Signed, Alice and Violet Keppel, Xmas 1899.
Marks and inscriptions
Alice Hughes / 52 Gower Street, London (printed on mount on front)
Makers and roles
Alice Hughes (1857-1939) [photographer] London, photographer