Vol 13 No 22; The Jerrold Family Part 2

[Les1949]

HAMPTON, AROUND AND ABOUT

Things you may not know, or didn’t know you knew!

No 22 THE JERROLD FAMILY Part 2
The Daughters

Walter & Clara Jerrold, residents of Jessamin House (located where Kingsburys now sits) had five daughters; Ianthe (1898-1977, twins, Daphne (1899-1972) & Phyllis (1899-1975), Hebe (1900-1987) & Althea (1902-1973).

All the daughters were, in their own way, talented writers, poets and the artists.

The best known was probably Ianthe.



At the age of fifteen she published her first book, a work of verse, using a private publishing company, Jessamine Press, named after the family home. In 1929 she published a crime novel ‘The Studio Crime’, followed by ‘Dead Man’s Quarry’. Ianthe was writing at the same time as the likes of Dorothy L Sayers. Having made her name in crime fiction she then expanded her repertoire writing a number of books which included romantic fiction and thrillers.
Ianthe married George Menges – a Lloyds Underwriter - and together they bought Cwmmau Farmhouse, in Powys which now belongs to the National Trust. Her last book ‘My Twin and I’ was published in 1966.
Daphne was an illustrator and her name appears in many ‘quality’ books. To name just one, in 1928, ‘The Treasure Cave’ was published, illustrations by Daphne Jerrold, the Editor was Lady Cynthia Asquith (married to Herbert, son of the Liberal PM), which tells you all you need to know about the circles she moved in. The book was published by Jerrolds, London and is still available – if you know where to look.
Daphne’s twin, Phyllis, was also an illustrator and artist. Examples of her work can be found at auction sites. Bonhams for example have a collection of her drawings on offer for £300. Visitors to Cwmmau can see also wall hangings made by Phyllis who, at some stage, went to live with Ianthe and George.

Hebe, was a poet and also an illustrator. Hebe’s work is still much sought after. One of her poems was entiltled ‘War, which has brought to others fear’ written in 1917.
Althea was also a talented writer and poet though overshadowed by her equally talented siblings. At one stage she was working for the Amalgamated Press (later Fleetway Publications) in Farringdon Street.
The Jerrolds, parent and children, just too much talent for one family!

The Old Historian