Plaque to Vanbrugh sisters unveiled
Paul Jepson, artistic director of Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, has unveiled the Civic Society’s newest plaque to actresses Violet and Dame Irene Vanbrugh
The blue plaque was unveiled on 4 December at the walkway between Roman Walk and Southernhay, near the Exeter Blitz Memorial, and close to the site of the house in Southernhay Place where Violet was born in 1867, but was demolished as a result of bombing during the Second World War. Her sister Dame Irene was born in 1872 in Heavitree Vicarage. They were two of the six children of the Rev Reginald Barnes, vicar of Heavitree, and his wife Frances Mary, née Nation.
Mr Jepson spoke of the creativity of the two sisters, whose careers on the stage and in films lasted until the 1940s. In particular he mentioned Irene’s commitment to the new plays of her day in which she created many roles. He also highlighted the role of the actresses’ brother, Sir Kenneth Barnes, who was director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art from 1909 – 1955 and built the Vanbrugh Theatre at RADA, named in honour of his sisters. Paul was introduced by Exeter local historian and Civic Society member
Christine Trigger, whose book about the Vanbrugh Sisters is soon to be published.
On Tuesday 2 December 30 members and friends of the Society celebrated the lives of the Vanbrugh sisters at the Devon & Exeter Institution with readings by John and Shirin Monks, and film extracts from the sister’s more successful films.
Violet was determined to be an actor and, much against her father’s wishes, went to London at the age of 18, where she was given her first stage role and later learned her craft touring in repertory. She took the name Vanbrugh at the suggestion of Ellen Terry. Violet toured America with Mrs. Madge Kendal’s company and on her return to England had many Shakespearean roles that enhanced her reputation. She remained devoted to live theatre although she made silent films. She died in 1942 aged 75.
Violet’s younger sister Irene followed her onto the professional stage, appearing in many new plays, including the premieres of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, plays by J M Barrie, and works by Sir Arthur Wing Pinero and Somerset Maugham. Her career was at its height in the early 1900s and was made a Dame in 1941. She died in 1949 aged 77.
Both Vanbrugh sisters wrote books about their lives: Dare to be Wise, by Violet Vanbrugh, and To Tell My Story, by Irene Vanbrugh. There are full entries for them both in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and much information on the internet about their stage and screen careers.
Further information about the Vanbrugh Sisters, as well as many other notable Exonians, can be found on Exeter Civic Society’s website http://www.exetercivicsociety.org.uk/
