The image on this Gaelic League postcard was taken by the Irish-American photographer and artist, Anna Frances Levins (d. 1941). It was published by Malcolmson and Hayes, a New York based printing and engraving firm which was founded by Cork-born, Cornelius J. Hayes.
Levins was an interesting character who was also a portrait painter and the official photographer to the Irish-American Historical Society. She married the landowner and politican, Thomas Henry Grattan Esmonde (1862-1935) and when in Dublin their home was at 84 St. Stephen’s Green.
Yet again the colouring of the photograph is what really appeals to me. The approximation of 15th century dress is based more upon a romantic notion of the period than on actual historical evidence. It has many similarities with the costumes created by the Dun Emer Guild in Dublin.
The postcard may have originated from one of the World’s Fairs, however, I have a feeling that it had something to do with the ‘Irish Historic Pageant’ which took place in New York in 1913. It was organised by the Gaelic League‘s Irish and New York branches. The pageant, which was a fundraiser, for the League, celebrated Ireland’s ancient past.
It was held at the Sixty-Ninth Armory, New York and featured 500 professional and amateur actors in ‘ancient’ Irish costume. It cost $10,000 to put on and was designed by John P. Campbell. For more information on the event see Deborah Sugg Ryan’s article in Ireland’s heritages: critical perspectives on memory and identity edited by Mark McCarthy, Ashgate (2005).
I have a photo of Anna Frances Levins, signed 1912 and her seal, stamped at the botttom. Also I have her photo in a wedding gown, not signed.I would like to know more about her and what her photo’s are worth. They are in excellent shape. thank you’ bobby jackson
Hello Bobby, I’ll e-mail you some links which have more background information on Anna, Thanks for the comment, Orla.
Would you be kind enough to contact me with any information you have about her – she is an ancestor and I am doing genealogical research … Many thanks! Daniel J. Levins
Dano2965@aol.com OR Levins11s@aol.com
Great picture but what do expect from a Levins. Damn you’re good beating me here Dan.
-Kurt Levins
Jacollete,
I, like Daniel, am a relative, if you could send me any info on Anna, I’d appreciate it. I’ve just purchase three of her advertising cards and an autographed book. Also researching her studio location in NYC in 1920 which according to my research was a boarding house in 1916.
Any info you could provide would be massively appreciated.
I am at truckl@hotmail.com