The McKinnell Sisters

This must have been quite a household - poor James - I hope he had lots of patience! I imagine the situation reminiscent of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" or Louisa M. Alcott's "Little Women" or even the Hollywood movie "Meet Me In St.Louis" ! Five daughters, very close in age - the eldest Beatrice was only 18months old when Olive was born, so they were brought up almost like twins, with raven-haired Beatrice remaining the quietest of the five.

OLIVE and BEATRICE

This is probably my favourite family photograph, technically superb with delightful subjects. Obviously mum Elizabeth wasn't too well organised that day, as there mustn't have been enough time to press the hems of the recently altered pinafore dresses before dashing off to the photographers!