Dollar Princesses

Anne Sebba, historian and savvy story-teller, will present three lectures for ADFAS Shoalhaven on Thursday 3rd May and Friday 4th May.

On Thursday evening Anne will present Dollar Princesses, the story of hundreds of American heiresses, who, between 1870 and 1914, flooded the shores of continental Europe, trading fortunes for titles.

These marriages – dubbed by some as gilded prostitution – were usually hard-headed matches plotted by the parents. They may have kept many grand estates from collapsing but few provided lasting happiness. Famous princesses included Consuelo Vanderbuilt at Blenheim and Mary Curzon at Kedleston.

The lecture will look at the portraits, the clothes, the jewels and the literature of the Dollar Princesses.

A light supper will be served.

Anne will also be presenting Les Parisiennes and The Story of the Cook Sisters on Friday 4th May 10am – 12:30pm.