Lily Brayton
(1876-1953), ActressSitter in 79 portraits
Edwardian beauty, Brayton began her acting career with Benson's Shakespearean Company in 1896. Marrying the Australian actor Oscar Asche in 1898, both formed a celebrated partnership, appearing in Asche's own productions, notably The Taming of the Shrew (1904) and Kismet (1911). In 1904 they formed their own theatrical company, and in 1907 became co-managers of His Majesty's Theatre, London. They made two popular tours of Australia, but their biggest hit was with the musical comedy Chu Chin Chow. This ran for five years from 1916, making it the biggest hit of the war years, with Brayton as the female lead. Her last stage appearance was as Portia in Julius Caesar in 1932.
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