Probert-Price Collection facts for kids
The Probert-Price Collection is a special collection of beautiful vintage clothing. These items once belonged to Renee Probert-Price (1917-2013), who was a well-known London socialite, a person famous for attending fashionable parties and events.
When Renee passed away, she left her amazing wardrobe to her great-niece. The collection includes over 300 dresses, plus many hats, shoes, and handbags. These fashionable items come from a long period of time, from the 1930s all the way to the 1980s.
Who Was Renee Probert-Price?
A Mysterious Past
Not much is known for sure about Renee's early life, which makes her story very interesting. There were many rumors about who her father was. Some people thought he was a lord, while others guessed he was a dealer of precious gems or a wealthy merchant. Her mother, Florence May, was a famous singer and a dancer in a popular London show.
A Career on Stage
As a young woman, Renee became a professional dancer. She performed in London's famous West End theatres and nightclubs. She was known for being a talented performer and was part of two famous dance groups: the Tiller Girls at the London Palladium and the Windmill Girls.
Later in her life, she managed a theater in the Soho area of London. It was there that she met her future husband, Douglas Probert-Price. He was a detective working for Scotland Yard, London's famous police service. After they got married, they lived together in the large townhouse in Streatham where Renee had grown up.
For the last 30 years of her life, especially after her husband passed away in 2000, Renee lived a very private life and rarely went out.
In 2014, Renee's great-niece decided to share her amazing story with the world. She helped create an independent film and an exhibition to celebrate Renee's life and her incredible fashion collection.
The Fashion Collection
Over many years, Renee collected a huge number of dresses. After she died in 2013, her great-niece inherited this fashion treasure trove. The collection has more than 360 dresses in total.
These clothes were made by over 140 different designers and shops. Some of the famous names include Norman Hartnell, who designed clothes for the Queen, and Christian Dior. Many items came from famous London stores like Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and Liberty.
Most of the dresses were made in London. Some were even designed by Renee herself and created by her personal dressmaker. One special outfit in the collection, designed by Norman Hartnell, was once displayed in the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
