The ALLEGED photograph of Mary Jane Kelly

[ChrisGeorge]

Hi Chris

Not having seen the group photograph showing the sister Bridget that you mention, I have no opinion on whether that rules this photograph out as being Mary Jane Kelly. However, let me say that this photograph is not inconsistent with the supposed well-known newspaper representation of Mary Jane Kelly in Miller's Court, shown below, albeit that the drawing is probably conjectural. We know that sisters or brothers don't always closely resemble each other, so, on that basis, it's not inconceivable that the woman in this photograph and the image of Bridget that you say is unlike her could be siblings, is it? The question is whether you are satisfied that the family information you have been given is consistent with it being the family of the woman who was murdered in Miller's Court.

Best regards

Chris George

[Phil Carter]

Hello Chris,

May I please add my thanks for this information and the photo.

Practically, questions must be asked.

If the photo was taken in 1885, what was her age?
The family would know the names of all the siblings. Do THEIR ages match up with any known facts with 'our' Mary? Are they all older?
IF they are all older, were they all living at home in 1888 when the family emigrated?
Did EVERY family member emigrate?
Where in Ireland did they live?
For a seemingly so close knit and devoted family, why didnt anyone contact the police and identify THEMSELVES as a relative, let alone not turn up at the funeral.
I also note that we have not heard why, with knowledge that people have risen a gravestone for Mary a few decades ago, now is the time to claim knowledge of 'Mary Kelly' and not at some time in the past? Why now?

And how many family members SINCE have known about the 'truth' re Mary? For with so many siblings, the family 5 or 6 generations along would likely be enormous- yet nobody has breathed a word for 124 years?
The story is equally, if not more important than the photograph, imho.
Not being dismissive- am respectfully looking for supporting evidence etc.

Kindly

Phil

[curious]

Hello All,

This girl isn't just pretty. She's beautiful to my eyes. I know it's perverse after all this time, but part of me doesn't want this to be MJK. How odd is that?

Regards, Bridewell.

I agree. She looks young and vulnerable. I wouldn't go beautiful, but vulnerable, almost tentative.

[Bridewell]

Hello All,

This girl isn't just pretty. She's beautiful to my eyes. I know it's perverse after all this time, but part of me doesn't want this to be MJK. How odd is that?

Regards, Bridewell.

[Chris Scott]

Thanks Chris, do you think there's a resemblance to any other family members in the group photograph yourself?

That's what make me hesitant - the 7 members shown in the family pic show (except Henry) marked similarities but I cannot see any of that in this alleged picture of Mary
Chris

[The Good Michael]

The jawline is similar to that of the victim in the murder photos. The contemporary sketch of Kelly also has similarities to this photo of the very young woman. If this is Kelly, it means the sketch wasn't far off... just an older, stouter young woman.

Mike

[Debra A]

Hi Debs
I have the whole family pic but that is the one thing the donor is still adamant she wants held back
Chris

Thanks Chris, do you think there's a resemblance to any other family members in the group photograph yourself?

[Debra A]

I don't tend to go on instinct but have to admit when I first saw this photograph I felt that it could be Mary Kelly. There's just something about it.

Sally, yes...I know exactly what you mean.

[Monty]

Hi Chris,

Exciting stuff, many thanks to the family and yourself for this.

Personally, whilst I hold a note of caution, I'm very positive. Having studied THAT photo (during my youth I add), there are certain points of similarity that I can see, however I'm no expert.

I agree with Rob, information on a photographer would be beneficial, or a location.

Do we have any hints where Kelly was in 85 or there about?

Monty

[sgh]

Thanks for posting this photo, Chris.
Just did a quick study of the image in photoshop to try and reveal a bit more detail in the region of the hair.
At the moment I agree with miss marple's comment that the hair doesn't look European from what detail I can extract - a higher res image scan should reveal better detail to confirm.
MJK has notable locks as seen in the hideous crime scene photo yet I can't detect those here !

Steve

[miss marple]

Robert, women did not wear make up in the 1880s/90s unless they were expensive tarts or actresses.

Miss Marple

[Sally]

If..

this is Mary Kelly and the photograph was taken in 1885; then perhaps it could have been taken when she was in France (assuming that she was)?

Perhaps then we might be looking at one of the fine dresses she was reported to have in some sources.

I think this young lady could be 22 - it's hard to see her as older than that.

I don't tend to go on instinct but have to admit when I first saw this photograph I felt that it could be Mary Kelly. There's just something about it.

[Bridewell]

Hi Chris,

Can I add my thanks to those of others. I think Robert probably speaks for all those with an interest in the subject when he asks that the lady concerned be thanked also, for her kindness.

The lips of the lady in the photograph are quite full. For some reason, I thought there might be a point of comparison there but, having revisited the SOC photo, clearly not. I suppose the question now is provenance. A Victorian carte de visite with this image on would be helpful!

Regards, Bridewell

[lynn cates]

dark

Hello Chris. Thanks for posting this. The hair and eyes are indeed a bit darker than I would have imagined.

Cheers.
LC

[Chris Scott]

Hi Debs
I have the whole family pic but that is the one thing the donor is still adamant she wants held back
Chris