![W. & D. Downey (British, active 1855–1940), [Mary Cornwallis West], ca. 1880. Albumen print with applied color (cabinet card), 6 ½ x 4 ¼ in. Gernsheim collection, 964:0488: 0002, f TR 655.11 C525 HRC-P](https://sites.utexas.edu/ransomcentermagazine/files/2016/05/Web_Mrs.-Cornwallis-West-in-hand-colored-purple-dress-in-hammock-768x1069.jpg)
Before Lillie Langtry (née Emilie Charlotte Le Breton, 1853–1929) became a stage actress, she was known as one of London’s “professional beauties.”
Before Lillie Langtry (née Emilie Charlotte Le Breton, 1853–1929) became a stage actress, she was known as one of London’s “professional beauties.”