Muses: Gabrielle Ray

Another story about beautiful and talented woman ruined by a man, by unhappy marriage.

Gabrielle Ray, born in 1883 as Gabrielle Elizabeth Clifford Cook was an Edwardian musical comedies actress, described in “Temps” as the most beautiful woman in the United Kingdom. Her stage career began at the age of 10. 

 A vision of loveliness with bright blue eyes and golden blonde hair who enchanted her audience from the moment she appeared on stage. 

In 1912 Gabrielle Ray announced she was retiring from the stage to marry Eric Loder. However, the marriage was unsuccessful and divorce followed. Attempting to return to the stage proved a less easy task in 1915 and while she continued to attempt to revive her career, in the early 1920s she finally lost interest. There then followed years of leading a more hedonistic lifestyle which eventually led to alcoholism and depression. In the late 1930s Gabrielle Ray was admitted to a mental home in Surrey, where she was to spend the rest of her life until 1973 when she died aged 90.

Artists and their muses: James Tissot

James Tissot, his gorgeous shades of gowns and love for Kathleen Newton.

It is possible to feel life going on in his paintings, hear the gowns moving, see pale skin sparkle. Very realistc, illustrative, almost drawing a storyline.

Althought, fashion of 19th century seventies and eighties is not my favourite; and this period has a lot less poetic spirit than previous decades. It is also not that decadent and seductive as the oncoming times of 1900.

Lovely Vicomtesse de Montmorand

most famous Girl in a Boat


And... a muse: Kathleen Newton

I'm not here to tell you her story. Let image speak for itself.