Alice Barringer Mackie
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scientific collector
film-maker
Alice Barringer Mackie | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 August 1885 |
| Died | 21 January 1977 (aged 91) Hindhead, England |
| Occupation(s) | traveller scientific collector film-maker |
| Signature | |
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Alice Barringer Mackie (1 August 1885 – 21 January 1977) was a British traveller and scientific collector.
Mackie was born on 1 August 1885[1] at Alexandria, Egypt. Mackie's father was Sir James Mackie (1838–1898), who was Surgeon to the British Consulate at Alexandria.[2] Mackie's mother was Louise Kirby Mackie (née Moubert and Kirby, 1851–1892). Mackie had two younger siblings: Stella (1888–1912)[3] and James (1891–1938). Mackie's mother Louise had previously been widowed from marriage to a barrister named Laurence Kirby (c.1842–1880)[4] and Mackie had two older half-siblings named Edgar and Violet.
Mackie had lost both her parents by 1898, and in 1901 Mackie and her siblings were living with a guardian named Marie Chanal in London.[5]
At age 19, Mackie was presented as a Debutante to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at Buckingham Palace on 24 February 1905: Mackie's introduction at court came via Ethel Moberly Bell, wife of Charles Frederic Moberly Bell, editor of The Times newspaper.[6]
During the First World War Mackie volunteered as a doctor's driver, and at a hospital for wounded soldiers.[7]
As an adult, Mackie was independently wealthy and a prolific traveller during the 1920s–1950s. Mackie's sister Violet lived in the United States, and Mackie visited her regularly. Mackie's brother James emigrated to New Zealand, and Mackie visited James and his family in 1924 and 1928,[8] and assisted James's family by supporting their education.[7]
During World War II Mackie lived at Beaufort Mansions, Chelsea, and served in the Women's arm of the Auxiliary Fire Service.[1]
Mackie was a devout Catholic and her diaries indicate that she regularly attended mass.[7] Mackie died at Hindhead, Surrey on 21 January 1977.[9]
