Political
MACDONALD
(J. Ramsay, 1866-1937, Prime Minister) and his daughter (Ishbel, 1903-1982, Daughter and Hostess of Ramsay MacDonald when Prime Minister)
Fine pair of signatures on a card
dated in another hand, 4½ x 3½, no place, 17th April
Item Date: 1925
Background
The death of MacDonald's wife Margaret's in 1911 – a year after their son David had died – left Ramsay a single father to his remaining five children. When, in 1924 he came to power as Prime Minister of the country's first Labour Government, it was Ishbel, the eldest daughter, who her father decided should be his hostess at 10 Downing Street. At just 20 she became the youngest person ever to take on the role.
Stock No. 42652