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Esther Bruce by Val Wilmer in Fulham, London
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Esther Bruce by Val Wilmer in Fulham, London
Esther Bruce by Val Wilmer in Fulham, London. Josephine Esther Bruce (1912-1994) working-class mixed race seamstress born in Fulham, London to a Guyanese father & an English mother. In London in the 1930s she made dresses for the singer Elisabeth Welch & befriended the Jamaican nationalist leader Marcus Garvey. Co-authored her autobiography in 1991 with her adopted nephew Stephen Bourne. Included in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Date: 1991
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Media ID 23090838
© The Stephen Bourne Collection / Mary Evans
1991 Born Bruce Dresses Elisabeth Esther Fulham Guyanese Josephine Mixed Race Seamstress Singer Working Class Made Wilmer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic presence of Esther Bruce, a working-class mixed race seamstress from Fulham, London. Born in 1912 to a Guyanese father and an English mother, Esther's life was marked by a unique blend of cultural influences and experiences. In the 1930s, she made dresses for the renowned singer Elisabeth Welch, and befriended the Jamaican nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, who was also based in London during that time. Esther's life story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the working class, and her experiences offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of London's history. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of creativity and connection. This photograph, taken by the acclaimed photographer Val Wilmer in 1991, captures Esther in her later years, but her spirit remains undimmed. Her autobiography, co-authored with her adopted nephew Stephen Bourne, was published in the same year and provides a powerful account of her life and experiences. Esther Bruce's story is an important one, and her inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is a testament to her enduring legacy.
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