Gwendolen Collection

The Importance of Being Earnest at the St Jamess Theatre, London. Gwendolen Fairfax (Miss Irene Vanbrugh) and Worthing; Gwendolen and Cecily (Miss Evelyn Millard); Gwendolen

Theatre / Plays / Wilde
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST George Alexander as Jack Worthing, Stella Patrick Campbell as Lady Gwendolen, Helen Rous as Lady Bracknell

1931 British General Election, women MPs
1931 British General Election, twelve women MPs elected. From left to right: Mrs Helen Shaw, Lady Gwendolen Iveagh, Miss Irene Ward, Miss Thelma Cazalet, Mrs Mavis Tate, Mrs Ida Copeland

The Duchess of Norfolk
A portrait painting of The Duchess of Norfolk, most likely Gwendolen Mary Fitzalan-Howard, 1877-1945, the eldest child of Marmaduke Constable-Maxwell

Gwendolen and the jewels (engraving)
2812119 Gwendolen and the jewels (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gwendolen and the jewels)

Women Members of Parliament - 1929
Women Politicians elected to the House of Commons in June 1929: (from top left) Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor (Conservative), Katharine Stewart-Murray, Duchess of Atholl (Conservative)

Gwendolen at the gaming table (engraving)
2812122 Gwendolen at the gaming table (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gwendolen at the gaming table)

Grandcourt and Gwendolen at the Archery Tournament (engraving)
2812121 Grandcourt and Gwendolen at the Archery Tournament (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Grandcourt and Gwendolen at the Archery Tournament)

Gwendolen (engraving)
2812118 Gwendolen (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gwendolen. Illustration for Scenes and Characters from the works of George Eliot)

A Dovecote - in the garden of Dowager Marchioness of Bute, St. Johns Lodge, Regents Park, 1920
A Dovecote - A capacious Cote of good design in the garden of the Dowager Marchioness of Bute, St. Johns Lodge, Regents Park, 1920

Arundel Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk
Arundel Castle, home of the Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk (1847-1917) and his second wife Gwendolen Mary Fitzalan-Howard, Duchess of Norfolk

The Duchess of Norfolk and her children
Gwendolen Mary Fitzalan-Howard (n饠 Constable-Maxwell), Duchess of Norfolk (11 January 187728 August 1945), daughter of the 11th Lord Herries of Terregles and his wife

GWENDOLEN FITZALAN-HOWARD (1853-1932). Wife of John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute. British aristocrat. Wood engraving, English, 1872

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"Gwendolen: A Captivating Character in Theatre and Literature" Gwendolen, a name that resonates with elegance and charm, is not only the protagonist of Oscar Wilde's renowned play "The Importance of Being Earnest, " but also an emblematic figure in the world of theatre and plays. This captivating character has captured the hearts of audiences for generations. Inspired by Wilde's wit and satire, Gwendolen embodies the essence of Victorian society, where appearances often masked hidden desires. As a member of high society herself, she navigates through intricate social conventions with grace and poise. Beyond the realm of fiction, Gwendolen finds her roots in history as well. The Duchess of Norfolk, residing in the majestic Arundel Castle alongside her husband - the Duke - holds similarities to our beloved literary character. Just like Gwendolen's mother in "The Importance of Being Earnest, " this duchess was known for her regal demeanor and influential position within British aristocracy. Intriguingly enough, Gwendolen shares another connection with real-life women who broke barriers during their time. In 1929, women were finally granted membership into Parliament; a significant milestone achieved after years of struggle for gender equality. These pioneering female MPs paved the way for future generations to have their voices heard politically. While politics may have been one aspect that defined women's progress during those times, Gwendolen reminds us that there were other spheres where they made their mark as well. Engraved images depict her at various events such as gaming tables or archery tournaments – showcasing her participation in activities traditionally reserved for men. However, it is important to note that beyond societal expectations or historical context lies an individual whose complexities cannot be fully encapsulated by mere descriptions or engravings alone.