Museum of Femininity

Welcome to the Museum of Femininity, a laid back podcast exploring different aspects of female history and the representation of women in art and material culture My name is Charlotte Appleyard, a graduate with an MA in Art History and Archaeology of East Asia and museum professional. I have a love of Symbolism, Edo period art, fashion history and all things Victorian. Join me as I learn about areas of art and social history which have either faded from memory or were never taught to me in the first place! This is a fun passion project for me to keep me connected to my various interests, I hope you enjoy my rambles :)

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Museum of Femininity

Ellen Terry

January 05, 2026 • Charlotte Appleyard

0:00 | 32:28

In this episode we look back at the life of Ellen Terry (1847-1928) who was a famous and much loved stage actress, known for starring in Shakespearean Plays and popular modern comedies

Her career spanned many decades and is perhaps best remembered for her professional relationship with Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre. In addition to her opulent Jubilee celebration in 1906, which was 6 hours in length!

In addition to celebrating Terry's career we also delve into her interesting personal life, which can shine a light on the way women in this professional were viewed and how Ellen was consistently set a part from other women. She was married 3 times, had children out of wedlock and had many unusual romantic affairs. Here we cover her first marriage to artist George Frederic Watts who was 30 years her senior, while she was merely 16 and her last marriage at 60 to a man 30 years her junior. Indeed Terry lived a very unconventional life but was extremely hardworking and hugely talented as well as a warm and passionate person and excellent friend. This is something we can see through her paper courtship with playwright George Bernard Shaw.

All in all Terry's life is peppered with fascinating relationships, career highs, personal breaks, moments of quiet living and then many periods of adventure and travel. Today she is immortalised through Blue Plaques and startlingly memorable portraits which you can still visit today.

To view photos and paintings mentioned in this episode please visit our Instagram page @themuseumoffemininity

Sources

https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw06269/Ellen-Terry-Choosing

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/sargent-ellen-terry-as-lady-macbeth-n02053

https://www.harpenden-history.org.uk/harpenden-history/people-2/writers-entertainers/ellen_terry_1847-1928

https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/2008/dame-ellen-terry-1847-1928

https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/set/126/Ellen+Terry+Jubilee+Souvenir+by+Window+%26+Grove

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ellen-Terry

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/ellen-terry/