The photo postcard features Enid Lowe (1908-1994) in an elegant and theatrical pose. She was a British actress known for her work in television and theater, with notable appearances in productions such as “BBC Sunday-Night Theatre” (1950), “Educated Evans” (1957), and “Loot” (1970). In 1941, she performed in the musical “London Rhapsody” at The London Palladium. This postcard is a testament to Enid Lowe’s beauty. She is dressed in period-style attire. Her outfit includes a lavish gown with a soft, flowing texture, possibly made of silk or satin, adorned with delicate lace and ribbon details. The bodice has a gentle scalloped trim, and she wears long gloves, adding to the refinement of her look. Her accessories are striking—she wears an elaborate wide-brimmed hat with a voluminous, gathered crown, likely made of soft fabric. Her jewelry is ornate, consisting of large, dangling earrings with multiple tiers and a matching necklace of pearl-like beads. These accessories enhance the regal and theatrical nature of the portrait. Enid Lowe’s facial expression is poised and slightly enigmatic. Her dark, wavy hair is styled in an elegant, vintage fashion, framing her face beautifully. Her eyes, accentuated with dark makeup, have a confident and alluring gaze, and her lips are slightly parted, conveying a subtle yet engaging expression. The soft lighting highlights her delicate features, giving her a luminous and almost ethereal appearance. The photographer of this image, George Mannell, was based in London and was active in the early 20th century. He specialized in theatrical and celebrity portrait photography, producing high-quality postcards featuring actors and actresses of the time. His work captured the glamour and artistry of stage performers, often presenting them in elaborate costumes and dramatic poses to appeal to both fans and collectors. His work often appeared in publications such as the Picturegoer series, a popular British postcard collection featuring film stars and entertainers. SOLD
The photographer of this press photo must have been in a playful and creative mood at the time that this photograph was taken. The image features a statue and its model, side by side, in identical poses. The caption of the photograph, affixed to the reverse, indicates that the model is “beautiful” Hollywood star, Toni Seven. It also states that she was the fiance of Senator Warren G Magnuson of Washington state. The photograph was taken in 1949. Toni Seven (1922-1991) was born as June Elizabeth Millarde. Her mother was noted stage and silent film actress, June Caprice. Caprice also worked as a model. Toni’s father, Harry F Millarde, was a film director. Toni’s father died when she was just 8 years old. She was orphaned at age 13 when her mother died. Her grandparents took on the responsibility of raising young Toni. She was raised in the town of Great Neck, located on Long Island in New York state. An article in Time Magazine (1949) indicates that she was financially secure. It was reported that she was a heiress to a fortune worth 3 million dollars. It appears that Toni Seven was genetically loaded to become a performer. As Toni Seven, she was a popular American cover girl and actress, In the early 1940’s she played minor roles in three films. One of these films was the well known “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942). She later appeared in two more films. When World War II began, she became a volunteer at the “Hollywood Canteen”, The canteen offered food, dancing and entertainment to servicemen, many of whom were preparing to go overseas. Everything at the canteen was free for uniformed servicemen and servicewomen, She was named pin-up of the year by US soldiers in the European theater in 1945. In 1944, she changed her name to Toni Seven. She thought it would be fun to sign her name “Toni 7”. When the first pin-up exhibition in the United States was held in 1944, Toni Seven was featured along with many other beautiful models, including Jane Russell. In 1946, Seven reclaimed her original name. In 1949, newspapers ran articles asserting that Toni was romantically involved with Washington US Senator, Warren Magnuson. Although the caption of this press photo states that she and Magnuson were engaged, the pair never married. However, the couple dated on and off between 1948 and 1953. Looking at Toni Seven’s biographical data, it is clear that her acting career was unremarkable. Toni appeared in only five films. Stellarstar writes in the blog “Those Obscure Objects of Desire” that “Toni Sevin is proof that a girl who lands in Hollywood, has money to burn, a great press agent and more than enough beauty, can still end up a complete unknown”. Toni was successful in other areas of her life. She was a great horsewoman, and also excelled at swimming and tennis. She despised gossip but created some when she dated Errol Flynn and other celebrities. This press photo belonged to the Intercontinental agency, located in Paris, France. An additional photograph of Miss Seven can be found below. SOLD
PHOTO OF TONI SEVEN (NOT FOR SALE)
REVERSE OF PRESS PHOTO
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 