The Art of Ann
For Ann Swinburne, art was her life and her life was high art. Whether performing on the Broadway stage, or riding the crest of New York society, Ann exhibited the flawless skill and spontenaiety of a seasoned professional. Accompanied by
fame - and fortunes - Ann's life is a testament to a bygone era. Lovingingly compiled by an equally formidable presence - her granddaughter, Liane Schirmer. 2009
Stages
If all the world's a stage, said she,
Then I'll be no mere player,
I'll show what cunning wits I have
Why no one shall be gayer,
I'll seize the moment and the day
To laugh, to flirt, to cling and stray
To row and rage and weep and lie,
I'll suffer, torture, groan, then die
I'll squander not a moment hence,
but play with all art's arrogance.
I'll strut upon this stage of life
As lover, mother, friend and wife
I'll star in war, I'll star in peace
I'll be or not be what I please
I'll spend what pennies I procure
In work or love or gambling tour
And no one shall outshine my star
The art of a woman is greater by far.
c. LS 2009
Posts
Ms. Schrimer, I wrote to you a few weeks back. I would like permission to use two photos of your grandmother (the young Ann and the other during her stage years). I edit a non-profit genealogical newletter once a quarter for a southern Ohio county. Your grandmother appeared on stage in this county in 1909, photos from the paper are very poor. With the microfish and scanning, they don't come out very well. It would go into a segment called "A Look Back One Hundred Years", with ads for the play and a review. I left my email address as McNab2000@comcast.net I would of course give note to where they were found and who owned them. Please let me know. Thank you.
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