Rosalind, 69 – The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign
Rosalind, 69
In my 70th year!!
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m from Nottingham, UK, and currently live in Cape Town, South Africa.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
Loyal, artistic, and passionate.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
“Truly great men and women are very simple.”
What would you say you are most proud of?
I gave my everything, aged nearly 40 to raise my child; the reward is a wonderful son.
I’m also proud of the cozy home I have created, filled with beautiful things of days gone by, and memories of the family I left behind when I made a new life in South Africa.
And a brilliant moment I can never forget: seeing Rudolf Nureyev dance in November 1961 on a visit to England after his leap to freedom.
Bare-chested, he flew around the stage to Scriabin’s “Poeme Tragique” and afterward I met him at the stage door.
It was the beginning of a life-long fascination! I adore both ballet and opera.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I was never interested in money, just wanted life to be wonderful and exciting. Money does not buy happiness, I know that, but many don’t, and spend their lives chasing it.
Perhaps I should have thought more carefully about the choices I made as I dived headlong into life, but If I cautioned my younger self, I would not have been me, would I?
I feel lucky to had so many colourful adventures. The world is very different today in the tech age, so full of regulation – just my perception.
I’m pleased I grew up when I did.
What is a goal or dream you still wish to accomplish?
Yes, thousands! I want to put myself in a tumble dryer and age 70, come out with all the best bits.
What are we if we have no dreams?
This will be the greatest decade of my life, full of music, laughter and passion.
As George Eliot wrote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Yes, I am writing a book;
Yes, I am starting a new business and if they want me on the catwalks of Rome, I’m ready and waiting!
What are your thoughts on ageing?
Don’t think about it, just wake up each morning a day younger.
The secret is to keep your heart young, laugh a lot, cry a lot. Dont become sedentary keep busy,
Look after your mind, body, and soul with care and respect – put your trust and faith in God who will shine over you like a protective star.
What did you enjoy most about The 50 Over 50 Women’s Portrait Campaign? And how did the experience leave you feeling?
The day flew by, it was wonderful and exciting!
Monica was absolutely amazing and made the shoot such fun.
The studio atmosphere was very relaxed. her artistic talent, knowledge of portraiture, lighting, and vintage effects were coupled with gentleness, kindness, and empathy.
I was left feeling thrilled, happy and positive, with a sensation of independence, dare I say, ‘7o years young!‘
How did you hear about the 50 Over 50 campaign?
I was in a coffee shop in Constantia! A lady came over to me and admired a vintage raincoat I was wearing. She suggested Monica Dart would photograph me…and so here I am!
Rosalind and I had chatted many times before her portrait session, so it was wonderful to finally meet her in person. Rosalind is so graceful and elegant, and on first meeting, I thought she was a dancer, the way she carried herself, and ‘glided’ into my studio.
One of the dresses Rosalind wore, was one by Cuban-born American fashion designer, Luis Estevez. It was Exquisitely tailored with all its pleats and tucks, which my studio lighting picked up so well.
Another magical day in my studio, creating portraits so that women can truly see themselves in a new way.
Hair and makeup by the lovely: Kirsten Murphy makeup