I recently came across this photograph which is alleged to be of my great grandmother, Esther Livett (Levitt/ Levett). I have reason to believe that it may not be her but her sister Ellen. Esther was born in 1886 and Ellen in 1888. Both were born in Hull, East Yorkshire, England.
I have tried to contact the owner of the photograph but have had no reply.
I have not been told of anyone in this part of the family having gone to university but there sits “E. Levett” (titled by the owner of the photograph) having graduated at university. Her scroll consists of several pages…
If this is Ellen and she left university at around 22 years old, then this would place the photograph, taken in Hull, at Barry’s studio just off Anlaby Road, at about 1910. If it is a 20 year old Esther then it would be 1908.
I have a photograph of Esther, taken in 1931 and there is a resemblance but not enough for me to be sure. I have no photograph of Ellen to make a comparison.
So, what I am looking for are ideas; I don’t expect anyone to recognise her, but it would be wonderful if anyone does. I’m looking for ideas of how I could pick up clues from the photograph which I could follow up. Does the gown and hat tell anything? Are gown designs specific to particular universities? Is it a BA gown or an MA gown? Which university? It wasn’t Hull because that university did not open until around 1927. Do universities have records of their past graduates? Would I be right in dating the picture at about 1910. Is there anything else that the picture could tell or suggest?
Any thoughts would be welcome. Thanks.
