Beatrice Stella Pedder Paintings

Beatrice Stella Pedder, better known as Mrs. Patrick Campbell or by her stage name 'Mrs. Pat', was a British stage actress born on February 9, 1864, in Kensington, London. She was known for her fiery personality and her passionate performances in the plays of her time. Campbell's career began in the late 19th century, a period known for its significant transition in theatrical styles and methods, with the rise of naturalism and the decline of the more bombastic and declamatory styles of acting.

Beatrice married Patrick Campbell in 1884, at the age of twenty, becoming Mrs. Patrick Campbell. Her husband's death in the Boer War in 1900 was a significant personal tragedy, but she continued to focus on her career. She was not traditionally beautiful by the standards of her day, but her distinctive voice, intense emotion, and strong personality made her a compelling performer.

Mrs. Campbell was especially associated with the plays of George Bernard Shaw, including the role of Eliza Doolittle in the original production of 'Pygmalion'. Her correspondence with Shaw during their long friendship and professional collaboration is notable for its wit and depth and has been published. She performed in numerous plays in London and on Broadway, and her repertoire included works by Shakespeare and Ibsen, among others.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Campbell was known for her unconventional lifestyle and her disregard for the rigid social norms of the time, especially in terms of her relationships and outspoken nature. Her personal life was often the subject of public attention and gossip, but she remained a respected and influential figure in the theatre world.

Mrs. Patrick Campbell's influence extended beyond the stage, as she was considered a style icon and a pioneer for modern women in the theatre. Her later years were marked by a decline in her career, as the new generation of actors and changing tastes overshadowed her once prominent position in the theatre community.

She moved to the United States during World War II and died in Pau, France, on April 9, 1940. Despite the waning of her fame towards the end of her life, Mrs. Patrick Campbell remains an important figure in the history of British theatre, remembered for her extraordinary talent and her role in shaping modern acting techniques.