★ Pictured here in the 1950s, American actress Jayne Mansfield was born on this day in 1933. A major sex symbol in the 1950s and early 1960s, she was as famous for her personal life as for her professional career, and at the height of her fame she was the world’s most photographed… Continue reading
★ Wonderfully vibrant Autochrome of a family on a day out, by George Eastman House (c.1915). I can’t get enough of early colour photographs like this, because they really show that the past wasn’t all drab shades of brown, black and… Continue reading
★ I just love this beautiful portrait photo entitled ‘The Bride’ by Harry Upperton Knight (1920), not only for its beauty but for the fascinating glimpse it offers of post-WWI wedding attire. An undoubtedly beloved outfit, the bride’s ensemble has some interesting details which place it… Continue reading
★ Seen here in a glamorous studio portrait from the late 1940s, American actress, dancer and singer, Ann Miller, was born on this day in 1923. One of the most talented dancers of her generation, she appeared in over 40 films and earned the admiration of audiences in both… Continue reading
★ Fantastic autochrome of the Moulin Rouge cabaret, photographed by Stephane Passet, 24th June 1914. Founded in 1889 by Charles Zidler and Joseph Oller, it was the birthplace of the can-can dance and a subject of fascination for artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose… Continue reading
★ American jazz musician and singer, Billie Holiday, was born on this day in 1915. Famous for her unique vocal style and sense of tempo, she captivated audiences everywhere from the nightclubs of Harlem to a sold-out Carnegie Hall, and worked with many famous names… Continue reading
★ British actor and film director, Leslie Howard, was born on this day in 1893. One of the biggest box-office draws and matinee idols of the 1930s, his relatively short career was cut tragically short by his death in 1943, aged just 50. Born and raised in an upper-middle class household… Continue reading
★ American artist and designer, Louis Comfort Tiffany, was born on this day 169 years ago. In honour of the occasion, I thought it would be nice to have a look back at his life and career, his influences, and just a few pieces of his utterly beautiful stained glass work. The man himself… Continue reading
★ Anglo-American actress and director, Ida Lupino, was a true Hollywood pioneer. Born in 1918 in Herne Hill, London, to a theatrical dynasty dating back to Renaissance Italy, Lupino was encouraged to perform from an early age. In a backyard theatre built by her father, she… Continue reading
★ Today is the 98th birthday of beautiful French actress, Danielle Darrieux. Having appeared in over 110 films since 1931, her eight-decade career is amongst the longest in film history! I usually try to keep these Silver Screen Stars features quite short, but Darrieux’s had such… Continue reading
