Ada Swanborough

A carte-de-visite portrait of the English actress Ada Swanborough (1845-1893), who captivated audiences during the 1860s and 1870s. After the retirement of her sister, Louisa – the whole family was theatrical – Ada became the star of the Strand Theatre.

Her later years were marred by ill health and she died on 12 December 1893 at 27 Brompton Square, West Kensington, leaving an estate valued at £379. The abstract of her will gives her real name as Marianne Ada Hannah Smith.

'It is with much regret we announce the death, which occurred on Tuesday, of this once popular actress. Miss Ada Swanborough was born in London, and made her first appearance on the stage at the Strand Theatre in November, 1861, when she represented King Christian in a comedietta adapted from the French by Mr T.L. Greenwood, entitled Is it the King? The young actress was destined to be associated for many years with the Strand Theatre. [...] In all the various productions at the Strand Theatre for a period of nearly twenty years the deceased actress had a prominent part, and in the spring of 1879 she went on tour in the provinces. One of her last appearances was in the character of Mrs Featherstone, in Mr Sydney Grundy's play The Snowball, produced in February, 1879.

'The deceased actress was the daughter of Mr W.H. Swanborough, whose management of the Strand Theatre between the years 1858 and 1872 is so well remembered in connection with Byron's burlesques and the charming appearances of Miss Marie Wilton. The living members of the family include Mr Arthur Swanborough, manager of the Royal Music Hall; Mr Edward Swanborough, manager of the London Pavilion; and Mrs Lyon (formerly Miss Swanborough), who tenderly nursed her sister during her last illness, which was of a long and painful character. The funeral is to take place to-day at Brompton Cemetery, at twelve o'clock' (The Era, 16 December 1893).

Photographed by the Southwell Brothers of London.