Portrait of Sir Harry Lauder and Wife

Originally from a poor background in Scotland, Harry Lauder rose in the entertainment world to become a star of British Music Hall, American Vaudeville, Australian Variety, records, radio, and films. His act was a blend of storytelling and sly humor with sentimental ballads like “I Love a Lassie,” “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’,” and “The End of the Road,” and comic songs such as “Stop Yer Tickling, Jock”. He was Knighted for his support of the war effort during WWI. He and his wife are pictured here in affluent dress with Sir Lauder in the traditional Scottish kilt and tam. He looks to the camera with a jocular grin although his wife appears more serious suggesting perhaps the hardship that prescripted their success.