Mercedes Gleitze
(1900-1981), Swimmer; first British woman to swim the English ChannelSitter in 7 portraits
Swimmer. Born in Brighton, Gleitze set many records for endurance in swimming, she set the British record for swimming for 46 hours (1932). She was the first British woman to swim the English Channel which she completed in 15 hours and 15 minutes (1927). She was also the first to swim the Straits of Gibraltar (1928). She actively fundraised selling postcards of herself amongst other initiatives. After her retirement in 1932, she devoted her remaining fortune to her cause, setting up Mercedes Gleitze Home for Destitute Men and Women in Leicester (1933).
by Underwood & Underwood
vintage print, 26 June 1928
NPG x136729
by Navana Ltd
postcard print, 1930s
NPG x136621
Mercedes Gleitze; Patrick Joseph Carey
by J.P. Bamber Studios of Blackpool
modern print from original negative, 1930
NPG x136692
by J.G. Whorwell & Son
bromide press print, 8 August 1930
NPG x198296
Patrick Joseph Carey; Mercedes Gleitze
by Unknown photographer
gelatin silver print, 1930
NPG x198513
issued by Gallaher Ltd
colour relief halftone cigarette card, 1935
NPG D49028
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