This uncommon elegant early twentieth-century real photo postcard presents a striking profile portrait of Marjorie Villis, a British actress active during the silent film era. The photograph was taken by S. Ward, whose name appears in the image area, and the postcard was published in Great Britain by J. Beagles & Co. of London, one of the most prolific and respected British postcard publishers of the period. The card bears the publisher’s serial number 142H. The image itself is beautifully composed, showing Villis in a soft, contemplative profile, her gaze lowered and turned away from the camera. Her long, dark hair is styled in gentle waves and partially drawn back with a decorative comb, while a sheer, gauzy fabric drapes delicately over her shoulder, lending the portrait a romantic and ethereal quality characteristic of Edwardian and early post-Edwardian studio photography. The lighting is subtle and refined. Marjorie Villis was born in London in 1891 and became active as an actress in the 1910s, appearing in both stage productions and silent films. Her known film appearances include Sally Bishop (1916) and Brenda of the Barge (1920), placing her firmly within the British silent cinema tradition of the World War I and immediate post-war years. Although not among the most widely remembered stars of the era, Villis represents the large and important class of working actresses whose images were circulated through postcards such as this one, which were avidly collected by theater- and cinema-goers at the time. She lived a long life, passing away in London in 1981. Based on the style of the portrait, Villis’s active years in film, and the known production period of Beagles real photo postcards, this card was most likely produced circa 1915 to the early 1920s, a peak era for celebrity postcards in Britain. The reverse displays the standard J. Beagles postcard back, printed in England. Condition is very good overall. The photographic image remains clear and well-contrasted, with strong tonal depth and no distracting damage to the portrait area. There is light, expected age-related wear at the corners, consistent with handling over more than a century. The postcard has not been postally used and shows no writing on the reverse, allowing the publisher’s imprint and layout to remain clean and legible (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $18.00 at auction
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/336383438251
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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