Rodney Laredo has written a gem of a book, Informally Royally Studio Lisa and the Royal Family 1936-1966 (The History Press), a lovely biography-cum-history of Studio Lisa, run by Lisa and Jimmy Sheridan. The couple made their name in the 1930s with child portraiture. As their reputation grew, the couple caught the attention of a "local and noted writer of books about dogs."
The writer was preparing a book on royal dogs and "for the first time he wanted to decorate his text with photographs."
He posed a question: would Lisa and Jimmy accompany him to 145 Piccadilly, the London home of the Duke and Duchess of York, and their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, 10, and 6-year-old Princess Margaret.
The new partnership nearly did not have a happy ending as the author of the book "betrayed" the Sheridans when he sold the copyright of their photos to the national papers. The author's actions were contrary to the use of royal images and copyright law. Lisa and Jimmy wrote to the Duke and Duchess of York, "expressing their horror at what had happened," and offered their apologies.
The Duke and Duchess of York invited the couple to take another set of photographs, this time at Royal Lodge.
For the next 30 years (1936-1966), Studio Lisa was responsible for many of the iconic and informal royal photographs of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and their two daughters, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and their two sons, Prince William and Prince Richard and in the 1950s, photos of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and their four children.
Lisa Sheridan's final royal portraits were taken in October 1965, informal shots of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward playing outside.
Sheridan, who suffered from a heart ailment for several years, died on January 26, 1966, from a stroke. She was 72 years old.
Laredo, a New Zealander native, has written a charming book about the life and career of Lisa Sheridan, whose photography skills captured the natural essence of royal children.
The book opens with the biography about the Sheridans, which is followed by a selection of Studio Lisa royal photos, informal, dignified, and irresistible. This is one book you do not want to miss, a truly enjoyable read.
Informally Royal will make an excellent Christmas present for yourself or for someone you know who loves the British royals.
Lisa Sheridan's memoir, Cabbages and Kings, was published in 1955.
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