Nellie Melba as Ophelia in Ambroise Thomas’s opera Hamlet

Lady de Grey introduced the Australian soprano Nellie Melba to Covent Garden in 1888 and was instrumental in ensuring her success. The two women were close friends, and exerted considerable influence over the management of the Royal Opera House. They were instrumental in the choice of operas and singers. There are many photographs of Melba in the albums, both in costume and off-stage.

ROH/GRE/1/038

Image from the Lady de Grey Photographic Collection

Back