About the artist
Clemence Dane's real name was Winifred Ashton. Born in Greenwich, southeast London, the multi-talented artist Winifred Ashton pursued education in England, Germany, and Switzerland. While initially aspiring to be a painter, her passion shifted towards the theatre in 1913 when she took the stage as Diana Cortis. World War I and health issues interrupted her journey, leading her to teach at a girls' school and later write novels under the pseudonym Clemence Dane. Dane's breakthrough came with the publication of "Regiment of Women" in 1917, followed by the successful play "A Bill of Divorcement" in 1921. Despite subsequent plays' lack of triumph, her adaptations, like "The Happy Hypocrite" in 1936, garnered attention. Dane's literary endeavors extended to radio plays and novels, including "Broome Stages" in 1931. Alongside her writing, she pursued her artistic passions, creating sculptures and paintings throughout her life. well known for her eccentricity, she inspired Noël Coward's character Madame Arcati in "Blithe Spirit" but declined to play the role herself. The National Portrait Gallery features a pastel depiction of Dane by artist Fred Yates.
