Sir Cullum Welch and Lady Welch Receiving Children at the Mansion House Fancy Dress Party

Newspaper photograph showing Sir Cullum Welch, Lord Mayor of London, and Lady Welch receiving young guests at a children’s fancy dress party held at the Mansion House, London, in January 1957.

Several children in elaborate fancy dress are shown greeting the Lord Mayor and Lady Welch, with other guests visible in the background. The original printed caption reads:

“MANSION HOUSE PARTY.—The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Cullum Welch, and Lady Welch, receiving young guests at the children’s fancy dress party at the Mansion House on Saturday.”

Sir Cullum Welch served as Lord Mayor of London during the 1956–57 mayoral year, providing a firm dating window for the photograph. As the caption records that the event took place on a Saturday, the image can presently be dated to January 1957, pending identification of the precise issue of the newspaper from which the cutting originated.

Joy Laurey / Mr Turnip connection:
The cutting forms part of the Joy Laurey Archive and is retained in connection with the wider documentary history surrounding Joy Laurey, Whirligig and Mr Turnip. Further research is required to establish the precise reason for its preservation and whether Joy Laurey, Mr Turnip, or another member of the Whirligig circle participated in the Mansion House event.

Inscription / Printed text:
Printed newspaper caption beneath photograph, identifying Sir Cullum Welch and Lady Welch and the Mansion House children’s fancy dress party.

People depicted:
Sir Cullum Welch, Lord Mayor of London; Lady Welch; unidentified children and guests.

Location:
Mansion House, City of London, England

Condition:
Original newspaper cutting showing age-related toning/discolouration and minor edge wear. Halftone photographic reproduction remains clear and legible.