This vintage real photo postcard features a striking portrait of Jean Aylwin (1885-1964), a pretty British actress and singer from the early 20th century. She gained fame for her performances in musical comedies and plays in London and she also toured internationally. Aylwin was associated with the popular Gaiety Theater productions. She had notable performances in several successful productions including “The New Aladdin” (1906), “The Girls of Gottenberg” (1907) and “Our Miss Gibbs” (1909). Aylwin also appeared in two silent films. She married in 1913 but the marriage ended in divorce in 1924. She was accused of adultery with a noted composer of her time. After her divorce, her career declined. She later worked as a housekeeper. In 1926, she briefly worked as a BBC radio broadcaster. In this portrait, Jean Aylwin is presented with a soft, coquettish elegance that was typical of early 20th-century stage and postcard imagery. She is shown seated and slightly angled toward the camera, her head gently tilted, with her hands clasped at her chest in a demure, almost confessional pose. Her expression is warm and inviting—large, dark eyes looking directly at the viewer beneath delicately arched brows, with a faint, knowing smile that suggests charm rather than overt theatricality. She wears an ornate period costume with layers of lace and sheer fabric, the bodice trimmed with ruffles that frame her neckline and sleeves. Dark ribbon accents at the sleeves and waist provide contrast against the pale, airy textiles. Her hair is styled neatly and topped with a frilled cap or bonnet, finished with a prominent dark bow that adds visual drama and balance to the composition. Overall, the image emphasizes her youthful femininity, grace, and approachability, qualities that clearly made her well suited for popular theatrical and postcard circulation of the era. Jean’s career in the performing arts overlapped with the golden age of postcards, and her image frequently appeared on souvenir postcards like this one. The card is published by Raphael Tuck, a notable postcard company active in England during the early 20th century. The card is part of the series, numbered T1255, and was published and printed in England. This postcard is in good condition (see scans).
This vintage postcard is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $14.00 or Best Offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236552839717
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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