Diana Napier, a celebrated English film actress, was born Alice Mary Ellis on January 31, 1905, in the historic city of Bath, Somerset, England, a place steeped in Roman history and architecture.
As a child, Napier spent her formative years in the picturesque and vibrant country of South Africa, where she had the opportunity to attend the esteemed Maris Stella School in the bustling city of Durban, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches.
After her childhood in South Africa, Napier returned to England, where she began her journey in the world of theatre, honing her craft in the repertory circuit before being offered a screen test by the renowned film producer and director, Alexander Korda.
Napier's early foray into the world of cinema was marked by a few films, but ultimately, she was dropped from the industry. Undeterred, she continued to pursue her passion for acting, and in 1935, she landed a role opposite the charming and dashing Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. in the romantic drama Mimi, directed by the accomplished Paul L. Stein, a childhood friend of the celebrated Austrian singer and actor, Richard Tauber.
Napier's personal life was characterized by a series of significant romantic relationships, with three marriages serving as a notable highlight. Her initial union was with the accomplished actor, G.H. Mulcaster, whom she married in the year 1927, only to later dissolve the partnership. This was followed by her second marriage to the renowned Austrian tenor, Richard Tauber, to whom she was wed from 1936 until his untimely passing in 1948. Her third and final marriage was to the talented Polish artist, Stanislaw Wolkowicki, whom she encountered during the tumultuous period of World War II and subsequently married in 1953.
During the tumultuous years of World War II, Napier, a remarkable individual, made the courageous decision to join the esteemed First Aid Nursing Yeomanry, an organization dedicated to providing vital medical assistance to those in need. Her dedication to her craft led her to further her involvement by joining an Ambulance Unit in Scotland, where she selflessly cared for the wounded Polish soldiers, exhibiting a deep sense of compassion and empathy towards those who had been affected by the devastating conflict.
As the war drew to a close, Napier's unwavering commitment to her work did not waver, and she continued to serve with distinction, eventually rising through the ranks to become a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in a Polish unit. Her tireless efforts and unshakeable dedication to her duties did not go unnoticed, as she was subsequently recognized for her outstanding work on behalf of Polish servicemen, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her fellow human beings.
Following the cessation of hostilities, Napier, still driven by her passion for the arts, decided to establish an artists' studio in the prestigious Beauchamp Place, an area renowned for its cultural and artistic significance. This venture would eventually evolve into the design and display company Diana Display Ltd. (later rebranded as DNT Associates),which would find a new home in Parsons Green, Fulham, London, a hub of creative energy and innovation. Through her tireless efforts, Napier would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of art and design, cementing her place as a trailblazing entrepreneur and a true pioneer in her field.
Napier, a renowned individual, published a comprehensive biography of her esteemed husband in the year 1949, providing a meticulous account of his life and achievements.
In addition to this notable publication, Napier also penned an engaging autobiography, titled "My Heart and I", which was released in 1959. This introspective work offered readers a unique glimpse into her own life experiences and personal reflections.
Furthermore, Napier collaborated with Charles Castle on a book and film project, titled "This was Richard Tauber", which was launched in 1971 to commemorate what would have been the 80th birthday of the illustrious Richard Tauber. This collaborative effort was a testament to Napier's dedication to preserving the legacy of her husband and her passion for sharing his remarkable story with the world.
