Famed femme fatale, star of the London stage and musical theatre, lifetime friend of Noel Coward-
(applause, applause)
Gertrude Lawrence!
Her drawing room at Portland Place was decorated by Ronald Fleming. This-in the day of Syrie Maugham's all white drawing room- Lawrence opted for panache.
The stage set chic room sparkled with a mirrored wall along the bookcase and mantle. Comfortable upholstered club chairs covered in satin with small bullion fringes along the hems, a low slung rather glamorous sofa in a decidedly reptilian pattern, and a fireside bench with deep contrasting bullion fringe-Enter Noel Coward. Curtain up. A Stylish little Vogue Regency drum table probably held lighters, drinks as the white likely lacquered grand piano swayed while played by Noel Coward and Gertie sang.
I wonder what color that Satin was? Champagne- my guess.
A gorgeous photograph of the Lady GERTRUDE, Satin? Magnolia-my guess
Definitely a Satin Bed-Nude- my guess.
Cecil Beaton photographed the actress in bed swathed in chiffon, fur and satin in Vanity Fair 1934's-Celebrities in Bed. Yes dog lovers that is a dawlin' Yorkie in bed with Gertie.
What color is your Satin? silk satin rather? I know it might not be the thing these days, But baby it undeniably was back then.
Lawrence's drawing room foto from Style Traditions, by Stephen Calloway & Stephen Jones
