Lady de Frece (Vesta Tilley)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Lady de Frece (Vesta Tilley)
Vesta Tilley (1864-1952), born Matilda Alice Powles, later Lady de Frece, music hall actress whose speciality was male impersonations. Pictured around 1929 after she had retired from the stage. Date: 1929
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Media ID 14234946
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Alice Entertainer Entertainers Frece Impersonation Impersonator Impersonators Matilda Performer Powles Tilley Vesta
EDITORS COMMENTS
This black and white portrait captures Lady de Frece, formerly known as Vesta Tilley, in her later years around 1929. Born Matilda Alice Powles in 1864, Tilley rose to fame as a music hall actress and male impersonator, becoming one of the most celebrated performers of her time. Known for her impeccable drag performances, Tilley's ability to convincingly portray male characters in skirts and makeup left audiences in awe. Her talent and charisma earned her the nickname "Britain's Most Famous Dame." Tilley's career spanned over five decades, during which she graced the stages of various music halls and theatres, including the famous Alhambra Theatre in London. She was a trailblazer for women in entertainment, challenging gender norms and paving the way for future female impersonators. After her retirement from the stage in the late 1920s, Tilley continued to make appearances in films and on radio. Her legacy as a groundbreaking performer and icon of British entertainment lived on, inspiring generations of artists and performers. This portrait, taken in the twilight of her career, showcases a more mature and refined Lady de Frece, with her piercing gaze and elegant attire. Despite her age, she exudes an undeniable sense of confidence and charm, a testament to her enduring talent and impact on the world of entertainment.
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