Nellie Trease aged about 21

Nellie with harp

This is a copy of a photograph which was in the possession of the late Gordon ("Bill") Trease. The original was a black card with a bevelled gold surround measuring 22.25" by 13.75" which held a sepia photograph measuring 19.5" by 13.25". At the foot of the card in gilt lettering on black appears
"Norman May & Co. Ltd" on th right and in smaller lettering on the right the remains of the word "CHELTENHAM" can be discerned on the original but not on this low quality photograph.
The photo is faded and the black coating on the card is peeling off.

The photograph shows Eleanor ("Nellie") Trease seated to the right, looking directly at the camera whilst daintily plucking the strings of a large harp resting on the floor and slightly tilted towards her. She is very elegantly dressed with fancy black shoes, a full length flowing skirt, and short sleeved top, both white or lightly coloured, and a wide belt tightly around her diminutive waist.

The photo seems too large for normal home purposes and it is surmised that it may have been used for publicity purposes. We know that Nellie performed in public concerts at the Montpellier Rotunda in Cheltenham in 1889 and 1890 and possibly appeared in public on other occasions so the photo may have been used to publicise such events. Also she was then working as a music teacher so the photo may also have been used to publicise her music teaching.