CLARKE, LADY
Neg. No: GP (L) 1760
Neg. Size: 15"x12"
Neg. Date: 09-06-1898

Sitter:  Lady Clarke, née Marguerite Prevost; 2nd daughter of James Prevost, of Livorno; m (1880) Sir Ernest Clarke (1856–1923), Kt. (cr 1898)

Lady Clarke, née Marguerite Prevost (1858-1918) was brought up within the English Protestant community of Livorno, Italy. She was summoned to the Court on 8 June 1898, most probably in connection with her husband’s award of a knighthood.

Her husband, Sir (James) Ernest Clarke, whom she married in 1880, was knighted in recognition of his work for the Royal Agricultural Society, but he was also active in many different fields, ranging from public health and social statistics to folk music and writing entries for the Dictionary of National Biography.

For the Court, Lady Clarke’s white brocade gown is contrasted by floral sequin embroidery forming a line at top of the bodice and a belt which highlighted her tiny waist, which the photograph retoucher has made even smaller. Her magnificent train is made of Sir Peter Lely brocade trimmed with fine Honiton lace, puffings of chiffon and sprays of shaded lilac. Around her neck she wears a pearl necklace, a bead and diamond scroll-work choker interspersed with upright buckles, and a diamond crescent, referring to the goddess Diana, worn theatrically in her hair.

Biog: 2nd daughter of James Prevost, of Leghorn; m (1880) Sir Ernest Clarke, Kt. (cr 1898), Secretary of Royal Agricultural Society of England, 1887-1905; First Lecturer on Agricultural History at Cambridge University, 1896-99.

Date: 9 June 1898.

Occasion: The Court, 8 June 1898: presented by Mrs. Henri Riviere.

Location: The Lafayette Studio, 179 New Bond Street, London, W.

Descr: FL standing.

Costume: Court dress:

 "Lady Clarke's white brocade was veiled with tulle embroidered in diamond narcissi, and was trimmed with shaded lilac. The bodice was very becomingly arranged with white lace and jewelled net. A shaped flounce of the jewelled net trimmed the skirt, and the lightness of the lace sleeves added to the beauty of the dress. The train was in Sir Peter Lely brocade trimmed with fine Honiton lace, puffings of chiffon and sprays of shaded lilac.”

Costume Designer: -

Costume Supplier: -

Jewellery: -

Furniture & Props: Painted backdrop; studio Jacobean-revival mock staircase; studio Persian rug.

Evidence of photographer at work: -

No of poses: 2

Copyright: V&A

Biog: Burke's Peerage, 1898 (see section: Knightage).

Occasion: The Times, 9 June 1898, p 7a.

Costume: London Standard, 10 June 1899, p.5

Costume Designer: -

Costume Supplier: -

Jewellery: -

Reproduced: (cropped) Lady's Pictorial, 18 June 1898, p 901.