Rhoda Birley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rhoda Birley
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| Born |
Rhoda Vava Mary Lecky Pike
3 February 1899 Kilnock, County Carlow, Ireland
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| Died | 15 June 1981 (aged 82) Sussex, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Painter and organiser |
| Known for | Gardens and festival at Charleston Manor |
| Spouse(s) | Sir Oswald Birley |
| Children | Maxime de la Falaise and Mark Birley |
Rhoda Vava Mary Lecky, Lady Birley (born Pike; 3 February 1899 – 15 June 1981) was a talented gardener, model, and artist from Ireland and England. She is best known for creating beautiful gardens at Charleston Manor in East Sussex. She also started a fun festival there, which is still happening today!
Contents
Early Life and Family
Rhoda Birley was born on 3 February 1899. Her parents were Catherine Howard and Robert Lecky Pike. Her father was a High Sheriff of Carlow, which was an important local role, and he loved playing cricket. Rhoda grew up at Kilknock House in County Carlow, Ireland. A famous Scottish artist named William Reid Dick even made a sculpture of her!
On 14 September 1921, Rhoda married Oswald Birley in her hometown of Tullow, Ireland. Oswald was from New Zealand and was in the army. Later, he became a well-known painter who created portraits of important people.
Rhoda and Oswald had two children. Their daughter, Maxine, was born in 1922. Maxine grew up to be a model and actress. She married Count Alain Le Bailly de La Falaise and later John McKendry, who worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Their son, Mark, was born in 1930. Mark later started a famous nightclub called Annabel's, which he named after his wife, Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart.
Charleston Manor and Gardens
In 1931, Rhoda and Oswald bought Charleston Manor in East Sussex, England. This old house was built way back in the 12th century and had a special Norman hall. The manor had been empty for several years.
In 1932, they hired an architect and garden designer named Walter Godfrey. He helped them fix up the house. He also turned an old barn into a concert hall where music and shows could be held.
Rhoda took on the big job of bringing the gardens back to life. She and her husband worked together to plant many beautiful things. Rhoda was a very enthusiastic and unique gardener. People said she would feed her roses strange mixtures, like fish stew! Her daughter even joked that Rhoda would sometimes add fancy ingredients like cognac and garlic to the rose food, making the "Roses almost cried out with pleasure."
The Charleston Manor Festival
Rhoda Birley also started a special event called the Charleston Manor Festival. It was first known as the Sussex Festival. The festival began around 1935 with poetry readings, talks, and other performances that Rhoda organized at their home. These events happened over four or five weekends.
Even after her husband, Oswald, passed away in 1952, Rhoda kept the festival going strong.
Later Life and Legacy
Rhoda Birley passed away on 15 June 1981. After her death, Charleston Manor was sold. However, the beautiful gardens and the manor house are still there today. They are even listed as important historical sites. The festival she started has had some breaks over the years, but it was still running in 1996 and continues to be a special event.
Rhoda Birley's family includes several well-known people today, such as Robin Birley, India Jane Birley, the designer Loulou de la Falaise, and former model Lucie de la Falaise.
Images for kids
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St Columba's Church where Rhoda married in Tullow
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Charleston Manor in East Sussex
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An interior view of one of the Charleston Manor barns
