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A Coster Group at the Westminster Hospital Ball
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A Coster Group at the Westminster Hospital Ball
A group in costermongers costumes at the Westminster Hospital Ball at the Dorchester Hotel in June 1931. From left, Simon Elwes, Mr Francis Toye, Mrs Peter Thursby (Diana Eveline Montagu Asquith (nÚÑáBattye), and Lady Diana Cooper (nee Manners). Date: 1931
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Media ID 23087850
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Aristocracy Aristocrats Asquith Ball Cooper Diana Dorchester Dressed Elwes Francis Pearly Peter Sep18 Simon Westminster
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this enchanting photograph from the annals of 1930s high society, a lively and eccentric group of individuals, known as the Coster Group, are seen enjoying the Westminster Hospital Ball at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel in London. The date is June 1931, and the atmosphere is one of merriment and camaraderie. From left to right, we find Simon Elwes, Mr. Francis Toye, Mrs. Peter Thursby (Diana Eveline Montagu Asquith, later Battye), and the captivating Lady Diana Cooper (nee Manners). Dressed in elaborate costermonger costumes, they embody the spirit of the Pearly King and Queen tradition, a time-honored custom in London's East End that dates back to the 18th century. The Pearly Kings and Queens are known for their distinctive attire, which includes a suit adorned with pearl buttons and a top hat bedecked with pearl-encrusted roses. These costumes symbolize the wearer's commitment to charitable work and the improvement of their community. The Westminster Hospital Ball was an annual event that brought together the aristocracy and the city's elite to raise funds for the hospital. The Coster Group's attendance at the event showcases the blurred lines between the high and low classes during this era, as well as the playful, carefree spirit that characterized the Roaring Twenties and the early 1930s. This photograph is a captivating reminder of a bygone era, where the rich and famous donned costumes to celebrate, raise funds for charity, and revel in the joy of the moment. The Coster Group's presence at the Westminster Hospital Ball adds a touch of whimsy and excitement to the event, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
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