Dame Edith Sophy Lyttelton (née Balfour)
(1865-1948), Writer, activist and spiritualist; second wife of Alfred Lyttelton; daughter of Archibald BalfourSitter associated with 3 portraits
Born in St Petersburg to a wealthy Merchant, Lyttelton moved to London in the 1880s and met her husband Alfred Lyttelton through the aristocratic circle The Souls. She exerted significant influence on his political career, encouraging him to support the suffrage cause. A visit to South Africa inspired her to establish the Victoria League, bringing together women from different political sides for the benefit of the empire. As a playwright she explored the exploitation experienced by women in different industries and served on the first executive of the National Union of Women Workers. Increasingly interested in spiritualism, she became President of the council of the Society for Psychical Research, 1933 - 1944.
Dame Edith Sophy Lyttelton (née Balfour) after a picture by Romney
by Lafayette, photogravure by Walker & Boutall
photogravure, 1897; published 1899
NPG Ax41204
Dame Edith Sophy Lyttelton (née Balfour)
by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 19 March 1918
NPG x105657
Dame Edith Sophy Lyttelton (née Balfour)
by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 19 March 1918
NPG x105658
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