Description:In addition to her philanthropic work, Duchess Millicent was a published author and playwright. Her first novel One Hour and the Next was published in 1899, followed by a volume of short stories The Winds of the World in 1902. Her play The Conqueror was first performed in 1905 and in 1924 she published a book entitled That Fool of a Woman. The Sutherland Papers include copies of her many published and unpublished works and also correspondence with a variety of famous literary and theatrical figures from the time.
Notable amongst these are letters she received from the author J. M. Barrie. The letters indicate that Duchess Millicent had sent a copy of a play she had written to Barrie to ask for his opinion. His response is revealing, voicing contemporary perceptions of the the role expected of women in the early twentieth century. Barrie notes ‘you strike such an extraordinarily masculine note. I used to smile when you said you had been meant for a man…there is a masculine side to you which not being allowed any play in your ordinary life jumps to the front when you begin to write’. Barrie suggests that ‘I feel sure it is because you have to occupy so much of your life with the mere fiddle faddle that is called womanly…that you are so masculine here’.
Duchess Millicent's papers also include correspondence from the actress Ellen Terry. Terry’s letters indicate that the Duchess had contacted her about receiving tuition, perhaps in acting or playwriting. Terry writes that she will ‘call at 23 Berkeley Square next Tuesday morning about 11.45’, writing ‘I have a “day off” rehearsals of King Lear on Tuesday so that day will suit me perfectly’.
In a second letter Terry writes: ‘I am sure I could be of some use, and should be delighted to try – Of course I don’t give lessons but when you return to London, the new play at the Lyceum Shakespeare’s “Lear” will be “out” & I have some spare time, & if you could come to me just half a dozen times, something might be done.’