I was delighted to hear about the 'art' connection. Your picture would almost certainly be by Kate Winifred. As far as I know she was the only sister that painted professionally. In our family there are a number of paintings by her and I have a miniature she painted of my mother (aged about 12/14). My brother has another, slightly larger of our mother, also by Kate. My mother, Dorothy Kate Riches, was also an artist and went to Croydon Art College, at the same time as Mervyn Peake, I believe. Sadly Kate Winifred died before I was born but I remember visiting 'the aunts' at their house in Farnham (34? Shortheath Road, I think) as a child and visiting Great Aunt Dorothy in a residential home in Merstham, Surrey. I didn't know that Kate died in Southampton.
I have some post-war photos of Bertha and Margaret researching the family tree in Suffolk, where they met with a relative, Russell Riches.
I also slightly remember their brother, Sydney. He lived in Balham and was very well known locally for his services to the Boy Scouts, in particular, the King of Siam's Own Group. The connection was that his father James Riches, Alice Mary Mallett's husband, became Vice Consul and then Consul to Siam. Sydney was also artistic and there are some wood carvings of his in the family.
I have copies of letters that James wrote to Alice Mary when he visited Siam. There are various mememtos from Siam in the family, but not in my possession!
Sadly, the last connection with those days, my Auntie Connie (Constance Mary Riches, died a few years ago. I have a photo of an elderly lady inscribed on the back as 'Grandma Riches 1930' - probably Alice Mary - assuming she was still living at this date.
I would love to see any documents etc. My email address is (*)
I live in Surrey - where are you?
Unfortunately I don't have a scanner but would be very happy to email any info.
Regards, Isobel
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