Probert-Price Collection facts for kids
The Probert-Price Collection is a special group of items that belonged to Renee Probert-Price. It mainly features hundreds of vintage dresses. Renee was known as an "It girl" and a famous socialite in London from 1917 to 2013. When she passed away in 2013 at 96, she left over 300 dresses, hats, furs, shoes, and handbags. These items date from the 1930s to the 1980s. She left them to her great-niece and goddaughter.
Who Was Renee Probert-Price?
Not much is known about Renee Probert-Price's early life. Her mother, Florence May, was a well-known singer. Florence was also a "Gaiety Girl," which was a popular stage performer in London.
Renee followed her mother into the entertainment world. She started as a dancer in London's famous West End theatres. She also performed in clubs. During this time, she used different stage names. Renee became a "Tiller Girl" at the London Palladium. The Tiller Girls were a famous dance troupe known for their synchronized routines. She was also linked to the well-known Windmill Girls.
Renee later managed a club in Soho, London. There, she met Douglas Probert-Price, who would become her husband. Douglas was a detective at Scotland Yard, a famous police force. He was also the first person from a common background to become a barrister, which is a type of lawyer. Douglas even worked as a bodyguard for the famous actress Elizabeth Taylor.
After they married, Douglas moved into Renee's large townhouse. This house was in Streatham, a popular area in South London. Renee had a very exciting social life. She was friends with many famous people. One of her childhood friends was the designer Norman Hartnell, who also lived in Streatham. Renee lived a very private life for her last 30 years. This was especially true after her husband died in 2000.
In 2014, Renee Probert-Price's story was being shared. Her great-niece and goddaughter were working on a documentary film. They were also developing a book and an exhibition about Renee's life.
What's in the Collection?
Renee Probert-Price collected a huge and special group of dresses over many years. After she died in 2013, this collection went to her great-niece and goddaughter. There are more than 360 dresses in the collection. The dresses from 1955 to 1965 are especially eye-catching.
The collection includes clothes from over 140 different designers and stores. Some famous names include Norman Hartnell and Christian Dior. Other items are from well-known stores like Harvey Nichols, Harrods, and Liberty of London. Most of the dresses have labels from London. Some were even designed by Renee herself. These were made in London by her personal dressmaker. One example of Norman Hartnell's work in the collection was shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
