tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post7609161294061269225..comments2024-03-29T08:29:20.833+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Ellen Terry and her Iridescent Beetlewing Dress ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-53269153989963811422016-10-15T07:39:13.327+01:002016-10-15T07:39:13.327+01:00Hi Jeffrey - she must have been a show stopper, mo...Hi Jeffrey - she must have been a show stopper, more so with that incredible dress on ... and her show definitely went on. <br /><br />Oh yes I think you must make an effort to go and see a live play - well worth it ... cheers and I hope that theatre comes running towards you soon! HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-53962358038535268242016-10-14T22:08:21.591+01:002016-10-14T22:08:21.591+01:00Impressive dress. Looks like it was a show-stopper...Impressive dress. Looks like it was a show-stopper.<br />But, the show must go on.<br />It certainly did. :)<br />I have yet to see a live play. Can you believe that?Jeffrey Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06973104877310669196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-21771838907630763032016-10-14T07:46:28.876+01:002016-10-14T07:46:28.876+01:00@ Rosaria - good to see you again and I'm sure...@ Rosaria - good to see you again and I'm sure all will be well.<br /><br />@ Diedre - Ellen proved such a wonderful subject for a post ... so much going on in her life, and she was stunningly beautiful. I was told yesterday that Smallyhythe is a fantastic place to visit ... so next year I must go ... while her dress rotates on a plinth ... so the glamour can be seen.<br /><br />@ Susan - delighted you found the post about Ellen so entrancing ... she was so beautiful and from an artistic family.<br /><br />@ Angela - good to meet you and I'm glad you relaxed with your cup in hand and happily read away. Those beetle wings are amazing aren't they ... <br /><br />Cheers and thanks for your visits ... HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-2441409539486074662016-10-13T22:59:37.810+01:002016-10-13T22:59:37.810+01:00Thank you for your blog post about this remarkable...Thank you for your blog post about this remarkable lady. It was fascinating to read with cuppa in hand. I even found the beetle wings beautiful, which for someone who's squeamish about creepy crawlies, that came as a surprise.Angela Bartonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17221068291904611525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-27230140780749919722016-10-13T19:05:29.720+01:002016-10-13T19:05:29.720+01:00completely fascinating Hilary thank you! Golly she...completely fascinating Hilary thank you! Golly she was beautiful! Clearly an artistic family - Susan Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12041548718544123557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-79157826880356085302016-10-13T18:37:31.746+01:002016-10-13T18:37:31.746+01:00Such a charming story! Though hers was a life much...Such a charming story! Though hers was a life much the same as most beautiful actresses, the era itself seems so enchanting. Not sure I could wear a gown adorned with beetle wings but the effect was certainly dazzling. I love that they remember her each year through theater - how touchingly fitting!diedre Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12772557495518846226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-56703026254839813052016-10-13T18:25:14.351+01:002016-10-13T18:25:14.351+01:00Hi Hilary, thanks for your visit to my blog. I do ...Hi Hilary, thanks for your visit to my blog. I do hope your new blip is manageable. Best of everything.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-78265552315506248442016-10-13T13:59:30.108+01:002016-10-13T13:59:30.108+01:00@ Denise - she certainly is one inspiring lady ......@ Denise - she certainly is one inspiring lady ... and obviously incredibly talented. Isn't the dress magnificent ... <br /><br />@ Julie - I know 'poor bugs' .. but they are so pretty and none was hurt in the making of the dress! I was just fascinated by the whole process and learning about Ellen's life ... <br /><br />@ Marja - life does get in the way at times. Ellen Terry was so pretty - but made the most of her life ... and built on those advantages - bringing a new way of life for many.<br /><br />@ Annalisa - she was progressive wasn't she ... and yes she had marriages and liaisons - but many did and still do ... each for their own, I guess. You're right - she must have had a very non-confrontational style ... and as you say been loved and admired ... <br /><br />Thanks so much for the visits - I'm just so glad the post interested you in various ways ... cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-41488769362776633272016-10-13T10:13:13.154+01:002016-10-13T10:13:13.154+01:00Very progressive for her time, all those marriages...Very progressive for her time, all those marriages and liaisons! She must have been well-loved for it not to affect her career.Annalisa Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943610814274794998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-63422405913771240382016-10-13T09:25:40.982+01:002016-10-13T09:25:40.982+01:00Haven't been here for a while Live got in the ...Haven't been here for a while Live got in the way. Great to read this fascinating story about ellen and who is a pretty woman. The dress which was designed for her is so amazing. She is a good looking lady and being an actor as well who have that flair I can see how she attracted men.<br />Marjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17458942200244031009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-70592618659760481802016-10-13T08:16:50.136+01:002016-10-13T08:16:50.136+01:00Hi Hilary! I've never been particularly fond o...Hi Hilary! I've never been particularly fond of any bugs, but I love the vivid emerald coloring of the green jewel beetle wings. What a spectacular gown! Ellen certainly led an interesting life. Thank you for sharing her story.<br /><br />JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-90531442840426185862016-10-13T07:37:27.514+01:002016-10-13T07:37:27.514+01:00Hi Hilary! I would have loved to have seen Ellen a...Hi Hilary! I would have loved to have seen Ellen as Lady Macbeth! Love that dress! Gorgeous!Denise Covey https://www.blogger.com/profile/07106490051555233439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-28318483833580403152016-10-13T07:26:31.858+01:002016-10-13T07:26:31.858+01:00@ Lynn - no worries ... I expect that sort of thin...@ Lynn - no worries ... I expect that sort of thing happens quite often at work .. but it's lovely to see you back. Isn't it an extraordinary story with all the ramifications of family life and then success ... I must get across to Smallhythe Place next year to see it and to see the dress ... that will be stunning ... <br /><br />@ Elsie - how lovely to see you - it is about Terry, but it's also about the costume, which would have come about except for her acting abilities. Whew is a good word.<br /><br />@ Crystal - interesting to read you and your husband thought seriously about the theatre life - certainly a rigorous one. At least you don't regret not going in that direction ... <br /><br />@ Gingi - thanks for coming by and visiting. How interesting to read you are a costumier ...it was most certainly creative. Delighted you're here to read and comment.<br /><br />@ Rosey - that's good ... she does seem like a delightful lady ... and I too rather like her!<br /><br />@ ACIL - yes the Gielgud connection is that extra bit of interesting history - sadly not continued via Gielgud. The word 'iridescent' came from a description ... so sadly not mine - just used here ... but it does impart a glow. I can see the Latin root ... to both our English and your Spanish ... <br /><br />@ Robert - well that's a happy co-incidence ... I'm glad about that ... you are lucky by the sound of it .. <br /><br />Cheers to you all - and thanks so much, I'm very happy the post has proved of such interest ... HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-640391768446617592016-10-13T04:33:22.183+01:002016-10-13T04:33:22.183+01:00This might sound silly, but a lot of the baser des...This might sound silly, but a lot of the baser descriptions remind me very heavily of my roommate.H.R. Bennetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01462784064936801201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-41205230711503609682016-10-12T22:46:12.637+01:002016-10-12T22:46:12.637+01:00Fascinating connection to Gielguld there. I love t...Fascinating connection to Gielguld there. I love the word you used, iridescent. I had not heard or read it for quite a long time. Similar to our Spanish "iridiscente", from Latin, too. That green dress is gorgeous. Thanks.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-16555660775552867772016-10-12T18:33:37.534+01:002016-10-12T18:33:37.534+01:00So much insight! I hadn't heard of her until n...So much insight! I hadn't heard of her until now, but now that I have, I think I like her!mail4roseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17850985344834209198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-26490206401527903462016-10-12T17:15:17.660+01:002016-10-12T17:15:17.660+01:00That crochet to mimic chain mail is just fascinati...That crochet to mimic chain mail is just fascinating! I am a costumer, and I love things like this.. so creative! Great post, thanks for sharing! <3 - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.comGingihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05841228092398721370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-1470399068668948702016-10-12T15:31:20.166+01:002016-10-12T15:31:20.166+01:00Fascinating. If anything, her life teaches me that...Fascinating. If anything, her life teaches me that I made the right choice NOT going into theater. (Yes, I was sorely tempted, as was my husband. Thank goodness we're smarter than that, eh?)Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-10512786637083478032016-10-12T14:06:41.637+01:002016-10-12T14:06:41.637+01:00I know this post is about Terry, but those beetles...I know this post is about Terry, but those beetles are fascinating too. So pretty! And the time it must've taken to make that dress. Whew!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-35621361454923559092016-10-12T11:11:52.936+01:002016-10-12T11:11:52.936+01:00Hi Hilary - I thought I had commented on this love...Hi Hilary - I thought I had commented on this lovely post a few days ago when I read it. I was probably reading it on a break at work and got interrupted, which often happens. :)<br /><br />That portrait is beautiful - she was such a remarkable woman. Lovely that she came from an acting family. I love that they put on Shakespeare plays every year at her home. <br /><br />I'll bet that costume is something to see in person!Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13984802196897920610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-75888889586455150032016-10-12T08:08:36.513+01:002016-10-12T08:08:36.513+01:00@ Deniz - good to see you ... it is a fascinating ...@ Deniz - good to see you ... it is a fascinating piece of history ... covering so much - and I really enjoyed writing this up with the different information. I've just had a better look at John Singer Sargent in Wiki as I knew very little about him - and I see what you mean ... he's a brilliant artist.<br /><br />@ Chrys - I love seeing people dressed up - but am happy if I don't have to! The beetle wings must have made a huge impression, especially for the audience ... <br /><br />@ Mark - how wonderful you've seen the painting in situ in the Tate - I must have a look. I'm sure no photo does it justice ... <br /><br />@ Dianne - it seems she was happy ... there's no mention of any untoward aspects ... so a normal up and down - but in view of the public - she was certainly busy. The beetle wings evoke 'feelings' don't they ... <br /><br />Thanks so much, good to see you ... and the beetle wings are making an interesting subject ... cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-71582119778946182152016-10-11T23:55:10.696+01:002016-10-11T23:55:10.696+01:00I've come across Ellen Terry's name here a...I've come across Ellen Terry's name here and there, but I didn't know much about her. What a glamorous life she had, hobnobbing with all those big names. I hope it was a happy life, as well.<br /><br />As for the beetlewing dress, I'm sure it was beautiful. I'm still not sure how I would feel about wearing beetle parts.Dianne K. Salernihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16459839567235304842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-28355671676614616962016-10-11T19:42:23.217+01:002016-10-11T19:42:23.217+01:00I love that Lady Macbeth painting! I've seen i...I love that Lady Macbeth painting! I've seen it in person at the Tate, and no photo does it justice. Very rad! :)Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01793077012143289985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51607678548848801482016-10-11T18:40:05.501+01:002016-10-11T18:40:05.501+01:00I love that style of dress. I'd wear it even n...I love that style of dress. I'd wear it even now. ;) I sure didn't know that beetle wings were on Ellen Terry's dress. I'll skip the wings. hahaChrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-85646725517346811022016-10-11T08:14:08.770+01:002016-10-11T08:14:08.770+01:00Wow, such a fascinating story. It's interestin...Wow, such a fascinating story. It's interesting reading about people who seem to live so many lives within one lifetime. All her travels must have been interesting too. I love Singer Sargent's paintings!Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.com