Marie Corelli's Mild Eccentricities

Prior to the first world war, Marie Corelli loved boating on the River Avon close to her home in Stratford-upon-Avon. She owned an Italian gondola bought following the conclusion of the Italian Exhibition at Earl's Court in London in 1904. She took trips on the river with her lifelong companion Bertha Vyver, and with visiting friends.

Bertha was a keen photographer who took both the images shown below:

Marie Corelli and Bertha were often seen enjoying a ride through the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon in their carriage led by two Shetland ponies.

Marie Corelli's Gondola at Stratford-upon-Avon

A restored gondola, that once belonged to the famous Victorian author Marie Corelli, is available for trips on the River Avon at Stratford-upon-Avon.

If you get a chance this morning head down to @AvonBoatingLtd for a ride on Marie Corelli's gondola.
Such a wonderful experience. pic.twitter.com/kZYGngyCal

— Bill Bruce (@MossCottagebnb) July 30, 2017

The gondola was acquired by Marie Corelli, following the Italian Exhibition held at Earl's Court, London, in 1904.

Note the portraits (above, left) of Petrarch, the Italian renaissance poet and scholar, and England's own poet and playwright, William Shakespeare.

Below is postcard of The Italian Exhibition at Earl’s Court, London, May-October 1904.