| Description
| Sir Harry Lauder costume - black leather belt, flag-carrier - from costume no.20 of Lauder inventory
This object forms part of a large collection of Harry Lauder's stage costumes held in the museum collection.
Sir Harry Lauder was Scotland’s first international star. Although he was born in Portobello, Lauder has a long association with Lanarkshire.
As a boy, Harry moved to Hamilton to find work in the coalmines. He worked in several Hamilton pits, including Eddlewood and Cadzow. It was during this time, that Harry gained his reputation as a singer and entertainer. He also met Annie Vallance, whom he married in the Lesser Victoria Halls in Quarry Street, Hamilton in 1890.
Lauder toured Scotland, Britain and eventually the world, portraying numerous Scottish characters. After his wife’s death in 1927, Harry moved to Strathaven, employing the Hamilton architects firm, Cullen, Lochhead & Brown, to design his new house, Lauder Ha’, in 1932. Harry entertained many locals and famous guests such as Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy and Danny Kaye.
Harry lived in Lauder Ha’ until his death in 1950. He is buried in Bent Cemetery in Hamilton. |
