If you happen to come across a miniature by Miss Lewis, we suggest you 'snap it up'. Not only will it be very finely painted, but Miss Lewis herself had a spectacular career - as an actress! Born as Mabel Gwynedd Lewis in 1872, she was born into a wealthy and talented family. Her father, Arthur James Lewis, was a painter, illustrator and musician. Her mother was an actress, Kate Terry, a niece of the famous Ellen Terry and her siblings, all actors. Mabel's sister, Kate Terry Lewis (1868-1958) was the mother of John Gielgud.
Portrait of a striking looking Gentleman by Miss Mabel Terry Lewis (1872-1957). Signed and dated 1896
Mabel Terry Lewis appeared in many stage plays. Her London stage debut was in 'A Pair of Spectacles' at the Garrick Theatre in 1889, in which she played Lucy Lorimer. For twenty or so years she had a film career, appearing in Love Maggy in 1921, The Scarlet Pimpernel in 1934, Jamaica Inn in 1939 and They Came to a City in 1945. She married Captain Ralph Batley.
