Mignon Harman (1912-1946) claimed, to Sir Kenneth Clark, to be the secret, illegitimate, daughter of Sir Edward Elgar. Until now her origins have been untraceable, but the 1921 census has provided unexpected clues. Whether she knew the truth, or was mistaken, her story, and the story of her adoptive parents, Lilian and William O’Callaghan (sometimes Nelson) is fascinating, bizarre and tragic, touching on a variety of extraordinary people in the arts and politics.
These notes also look at the life of the mysterious Aimee Mallabey which intersects and, perhaps, affects, the story of Mignon.
This is a completely revised version, 25th August 2023
REQUIEM 2023 PART FIVE – AIMEE MALLABEY
Mignon is one of the eight dancers shown with here Jack Buchanan – but which?
