Lover Gallery

Dorothy Violet Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington

Dorothy Violet Wellesley, Duchess of Wellington (1889-1956), styled Lady Gerald Wellesley between 1914 and 1943, born Dorothy Violet Ashton, socialite, author, poet and literary editor. Married 7th Duke of Wellington in 1914. They separated in 1922 when she became the lover of Vita Sackville-West, but never divorced. She is the mother of the current (8th) Duke of Wellington. Date: 1939

© Yevonde Portrait Archive/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library

Portrait of Ethel Le Neve

Ethel Le Neve, Dr Crippen's mistress. Dr Crippen, an American citizen, lived at 39 Hilldrop Cresent, Camden, London. He was accused of murdering his wife when she disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Crippen had told friends that his wife, Belle Elmore had died due to illness, but when first questioned by police he told them she had eloped with a lover. The police returned to Hilldrop Cresent to question Crippen a second time only to discover that he and his mistress, Miss Le Neve had disappeared. Detectives searched around the house and uncovered a headless body in the cellar. A warrant was released for Dr Crippen's arrest. The captain of the ship, the Montrose, on which Crippen was travelling in disguise, suspected him and his fellow passenger, Le Neve (dressed as a boy). The captain sent a wireless message to Scotland Yard, telling of his suspicions. The ship was greeted by the police and Dr Crippen and Miss Le Neve were arrested. Crippen was tried for murder and sentenced to death, whilst Miss Le Neve was acquitted and moved to America under a different name

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Una, Lady Troubridge

Una Vincenzo, Lady Troubridge (born Margot Elena Gertrude Taylor, 1887 1963), British sculptor and translator. She is best known as the long-time lesbian partner of Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, author of The Well of Loneliness. The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News mentions she is also a keen dog lover, judging Dachshunds occasionally at shows. Date: 1927

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans