1911

The Court of the First Instance in Athens approved the LtE’s Charter on 19th February 1911 (published in the Government Gazette on 2nd March).

A committee was formed by musicians A. Samaras, M. Kalomiris, G. Labelet, G. Lavragas and D. Lialios, representatives of what was known as the “National School”, to provide musical arrangements of Greek dances.

First public appearance by the LtE, with the production of the “Anthestiria” celebration at the Zappeion on Mayday. The event was repeated at the Municipal Theatre on 5th May.

«Η παρέλασις των χορευτριών» στα Ανθεστήρια. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1004-5 (1911), σ. 1592
“The procession of the dancers” at the Anthestiria. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1004-5 (1911), p. 1592
Ο χορός πεντοζάλης από τα Ανθεστήρια του 1911 στο Ζάππειο. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1004-5 (1911), σ. 1593
Pentozalis dance, from the 1911 Anthestiria at the Zappeion. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1004-5 (1911), p. 1593

Opening of the LtE headquarters at 4 Othonos Street. Two library and reading rooms, one in “archaic style” and one in “Byzantine style”, a “contemporary Greek room for the Dance Section”, and a “tea room” were created in the space. The whole building was furnished under the supervision of the Art Section in collaboration with architect Ernst Ziller and Byzantinologists A. Zachos and A. Adamantiou.

Η αίθουσα «αρχαίου ρυθμού». Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ.1036 (1913), σ. 2336
The “archaic style” room. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1036 (1913), p. 2336
Η Αίθουσα «βυζαντινού ρυθμού». Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1038 (1913), σ. 2347
The “Byzantine style” room. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1038 (1913), p. 2347
1912

New Year’s celebrations at the Municipal Theatre on 6th January, with the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita, and a performance of dances and tableaux vivants, including “the ladies of the Court of Queen Amalia”.

«Η αυλή της βασιλίσσης Αμαλίας» από την εορτή της «πήττας». Από αριστερά όρθιες οι δις Αλεξανδρίδου, δις Αμοιρά, δις Ορλώφ, κ. Φεράλδη και κ. Καλογερή, καθιστές οι δις Καμπούρογλου, κ. Μομφερράτου και κ. Μελισσηνού. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1015 (1912), σ. 1848
“The Court of Queen Amalia” from the Vasilopita celebration. Standing from left, Miss Alexandridou, Miss Amira, Miss Orloff, Mrs Feraldi and Mrs Kalogeri; sitting, Miss Kambouroglou, Mrs Momferratou and Mrs Melissinou. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1015 (1912), p. 1848

As part of the LtE’s varied action after the start of the First Balkan War in October, a Section was formed with the aim of providing work to the wives of conscripts. In addition, the Science department collaborated with the Hygiene and Nursing department of the Greek Women’s Union to create a training programme for wartime nurses. The Lykeion used membership donations to organise a 40-bed hospital for the front in Epirus.

Επιστολή του Αρχηγείου Στρατού Ηπείρου σχετικά με την παραλαβή της προσφοράς του ΛτΕ. ΙΑΛΕ
Letter from the Army Headquarters in Epirus on receiving the LtE’s offer. Historical Archives of the LtE
1913

Art exhibitions were held with paintings inspired by the Balkan Wars, by Thalia Flora-Karavia and Nikolaos Ferekides.

«Ο στρατηγός Καλάρης», από την έκθεση της Θάλειας Φλωρά-Καραβία. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ 1036 (1913), σ. 2321
“General Kalaris” from Thalia Flora-Karavia’s exhibition. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1036 (1913), p. 2321

Musicians Kalomiris, Psachos, and Kaisaris provided arrangements of 9 Greek dances for the LtE.

Dance lessons taught by Haralampos Sakellariou were organised in the Lykeion ton Ellinidon’s space.

1914

Winter event by the LtE at the Royal Theatre, with tableaux vivants inspired by the three periods of Hellenic history: ancient (Nike), Byzantine (Byzantine crown), and modern (integration of new “countries” after the Balkan Wars).

Πλαστική εικόνα «Το βυζαντινόν στέμμα», ιδέα του βυζαντινολόγου Αδ. Αδαμαντίου. Στο μέσο, ο Ν. Λάσκαρης ως Κωνσταντίνος Μονομάχος. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1049 (1914), σ. 2528
Tableau vivant: “The Byzantine crown”, based on an idea by Byzantinologist Ad. Adamantiou. N. Laskaris (centre) as Constantine Monomachos. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1049 (1914), p. 2528
Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1050 (1914), σ. 2544
Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1050 (1914), p. 2544

Music and dance show produced in April at the “Achilleon” in Kerkyra, in honour of Kaiser Wilhelm.

Δεξιά, στο αυτοκρατορικό περίπτερο, ο Κάιζερ Γουλιέλμος, η σύζυγός του, η βασίλισσα Σοφία και η Καλλιρρόη Παρρέν. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1053 (1914), σ. 2592
On the right, at the royal stand, Kaiser Wilhelm; his wife; Queen Sophia of Greece; and Callirrhoe Parren. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1053 (1914), p. 2592
Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1052 (1914), σ. 2571
Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1052 (1914), p. 2571

First “Festival of the Stadium” organised at the Panathinaikon Stadium on 27th April. The Festival became a regular fixture in the 1920s and was, for many years, the LtE’s most important event.

Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1054 (1914), σ. 2603
Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1054 (1914), p.2603
Η πομπή των Παναθηναίων στο Στάδιο. Εφημερίς των Κυριών, τχ. 1053, σ. 2587
The Panathinea procession at the Stadium. Ladies’ Newspaper, issue 1053, p. 2587

The first catalogue of objects was set up, and they became the core of the LtE’s costume collection.

Queen Olga donated her collection of porcelain dolls in regional costumes to the LtE.

Angélique Hagimihali, «L’art populaire grec», εκδ. Πυρσός, Αθήνα 1937, σ. 71
Angélique Hagimihali, “L’art populaire grec”, Pyrsos editions, Athens, 1937, p. 71
1915

Winter show at the Royal Theatre, with tableaux vivants titled “The Korai of the Acropolis” and “Byzantine procession”, overseen by Eleni Georganti, another titled “The Little Sage”, based on a painting by Gyzis, and Hellenic dances (23rd and 27th March).

Show at the Stadium, on 21st May, “for the nameday of the King”, with the participation of the Band of the Athenian Guards.

Απάντηση του Υπουργείου Στρατιωτικών περί της συμμετοχής της Μουσικής της Φρουράς Αθηνών στην Εορτή. ΙΑΛΕ
Reply of the Ministry of the Army about the participation of the Band of the Athenian Guards in the event. Historical Archives of the LtE
1916

Event at the Zappeion for the beginning of Lent (Koulouma), which was “crowned with absolute success”.

Εφημερίδα Εμπρός, 23/2/1916, σ. 2
“Embros” newspaper, 23/2/1916, p. 2
1917

Festival at the Zappeion on April 9th.

1918

Callirrhoe Parren was exiled to the island of Hydra along with agents of the anti-Venizelos camp (January 1918-November 1919). Operation of all the sections of the LtE was suspended, with the exception of the Dance Section.

The LtE participated in the nursing care efforts after Greece entered World War I. Among other things, they delivered 40 beds to the Hellenic Red Cross and produced woollen goods.

1919

The LtE premises moved to a building on the corner of Amalias Avenue and 1 Periandrou Street (the Makka residence).

Participation in the Greek Exhibition in Paris with dolls created at the Lykeion and with five traditional costumes.

Λογοδοσία του Λυκείου των Ελληνίδων, Αθήνα 1919, σ. 5. ΙΑΛΕ
Report by the Lykeion ton Ellinidon, Athens 1919, p. 5. Historical Archives of the LtE
1920

The first four issues of the Bulletin of the LtE were published.

The LtE submitted a memorandum to Parliament on the position of women (regarding private and public law and citizen rights).

Δελτίον Λυκείου Ελληνίδων, τεύχος Β΄, Αθήνα 1920, σ. 4. ΙΑΛΕ
Bulletin of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon, issue B’, Athens 1920, p.4. Historical Archives of the LtE

The “annual Hellenic festival of the Lykeion” took place at the Municipal theatre on 10th May. The programme included a recitation by Marika Kotopouli, Greek dances and songs, a “Byzantine mural” and a “procession of Caryatids and Peplos Korai (Peploforoi)”.

1921

The first Women’s Conference took place in Athens, as did the first Female Artisan Exhibition, which consisted of three strands: arts, artistic crafts, and homekeeping.

Το εξώφυλλο του προγράμματος. ΙΑΛΕ
The cover of the programme. Historical Archives of the LtE
1922

The second Artisan Exhibition tοοκ place. “The Lykeion ton Ellinidon, consistent in its programme of spreading the authentic culture of Greece into our society, our habits, and our lives, opened its doors two days ago to an exhibition of the artistic craft skills of Greek women”.

Εφημερίδα Εμπρός, 5/5/1922
“Embros” newspaper, 5/5/1922

On 10th September 1922, the LtE called its members to an extraordinary General Assembly for a “serious reason”. Three days later, the newspaper “Athinaiki” published the outcome of a collection taken up by the LtE (a total of 5,465 drachmas).

Εφημερίδα Αθηναϊκή, 10/9/1922
“Athinaiki” newspaper, 10/9/1922
Εφημερίδα Αθηναϊκή, 14/9/1922
“Athinaiki” newspaper, 14/9/1922

The LtE offered multifaceted support to refugees following the Asia Minor Disaster, by organising soup kitchens, providing a room where clothes could be sewn, and looking after orphaned children.

Επιστολή της Επιτροπής του Διεθνούς Ερυθρού Σταυρού προς την Πρόεδρο του ΛτΕ. ΙΑΛΕ
Letter from the International Red Cross Committee to the President of the LtE. Historical Archives of the LtE
1923

The Homekeeping and Trade School, which was founded in 1897 by the Greek Women’s Union, was annexed to the LtE.

Φυλλάδιο για τη συμπλήρωση τριακονταετίας από την ίδρυση της Οικοκυρικής και Επαγγελματικής Σχολής. ΙΑΛΕ
Leaflet for the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Homekeeping and Trade School. Historical Archives of the LtE

The LtE undertοοκ widespread social action. The Social Support Section created a workshop for refugees, and the Mothers and Educators Section opened a Sunday School and a public library.

1924

The LtE took part in events for the centenary of the death of Lord Byron. On 17th April, there was a performance at the National Theatre with the collaboration of the Public Concert Orchestra and the Athens Choir.

ΙΑΛΕ
Historical Archives of the LtE
1925

The festival of the LtE took place at the Stadium once more, after the 1914 event. At this event, “rhythmic dances” in an ancient Hellenic style, taught by Marie Raymond, were performed for the first time.

«Εις τον χορόν της Τράτας εξ αριστερών προς τα δεξιά: αι δεσποινίδες Φιλιππίδου, Καλλέργη, Αναστασιάδου, Καστρισιάδου, Γεωργαντή και Χατζηπέτρου». ΦΑΛΕ 10501
“In the dance of Trata, from left to right: Misses Philippidou, Kallergi, Anastasiadou, Kastrisiadou, Georganti and Chatzipetrou.” Photo Archive of the LtE 10501
 ΦΑΛΕ 10500
Photo Archive of the LtE 10500

Honorary diploma received at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des Arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) in Paris.

Το τιμητικό δίπλωμα που έλαβε το ΛτΕ, αναρτημένο στο κεντρικό του κτήριο
The honorary diploma received by the LtE, displayed at its headquarters

The LtE held a Greek Women’s Exhibition of Arts and Crafts, with paintings and handicrafts, as part of the Conference of the Women’s Petite Entente, which was formed in 1922 by women’s organisations in Greece, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Poland, Romania and Czechoslovakia (6th-13th December).

Εφημερίδα Εμπρός, 9/12/1925
“Embros newspaper”, 9/12/1925
1926

The largest and most financially successful festival was held at the Stadium. Members of the LtE took part, dressed as Minoan women, Amazons, Oceanids, Hestiads, Byzantine princesses, and peasants from regions of contemporary Greece.

ΦΑΛΕ 10493
Photo Archive of the LtE 10493
Η «βυζαντινή εξέδρα» κατά τις πρόβες από την εορτή του Σταδίου. ΦΑΛΕ 10484
The “Byzantine stage” during rehearsals for the Stadium festival. Photo Archive of the LtE 10484
Παρέλαση μικρών αυλητρίδων. ΦΑΛΕ 10906
Procession of young female pipers. Photo Archive of the LtE 10906

The LtE hosted the first exhibition of folk crafts by Florentini Skouloudi-Kaloutsi’s workshop “Diplous Pelekys” (Double Axe).

Η Φλωρεντίνη Καλούτση (αριστερά) με τη γλύπτρια Violet Kingsford. Μανόλης Καρτεράκης & Άνη Κοντογιώργη (επιμ.), Τέχνη και Χειροτεχνία: Η «ωφέλιμη» Κρήτη της Φλωρεντίνης Σκουλούδη-Καλούτση (1890-1971), Δημοτική Πινακοθήκη Χανίων, 2019
Florentini Kaloutsi (left) with sculptor Violet Kingsford. Manolis Karterakis and Annie Kontogiorgi (curators), Art and Craft: The “useful” Crete of Florentini Skouloudi-Kaloutsi (1890-1971), Municipal Gallery of Chania, 2019.
1927

Festival at the Stadium on 15th May, with the participation of 500 young women and 200 young men in ethnic dress.

Το πρόγραμμα της εορτής (1)
The festival programme (1)
Το πρόγραμμα της εορτής (2)
The festival programme (2)

The LtE participated in the second Thessaloniki International Fair, and received “the gold prize for its embroidered handicrafts”.

Event at the Royal Theatre to celebrate the centenary of the naval battle at Navarino.

1928

Festival at the Stadium on 13th May.

Εφημερίδα ΣΚΡΙΠ, 14/5/1928
“SCRIP” newspaper, 14/5/1928
1929

Festival at the Stadium on 19th May.

Εφημερίδα Ακρόπολις, 20/5/1929
“Acropolis” newspaper, 20/5/1929

The first celebration of Mothers’ Day in Greece was organised by the Mothers and Educators Section of the LtE on 2nd December 1929. As of the following year, the celebration took place on 2nd February.

Από μεταγενέστερη δοξολογία στη μητρόπολη για τον εορτασμό της Ημέρας της Μητέρας με πρωτοβουλία του ΛτΕ. Εικονίζονται μητέρες με τα παιδιά τους και, στο κέντρο, ο Δήμαρχος Αθηναίων Κ. Κοτζιάς. Εφημερίδα Αθηναϊκά Νέα, 8/2/1936, ΙΑΛΕ
From a later thanksgiving service at the cathedral to celebrate Mothers’ Day on the LtE’s initiative. Pictured are mothers with their children and, in the middle, Athens Mayor K. Kotzias. “Athinaika Nea” newspaper, 8/2/1936, Historical Archives of the LtE
1930

As part of the LtE’s participation in celebrating the centenary from the formation of the Greek state, a recreation of the Greek Revolution was presented at the Panathinaikon Stadium on 6th April.

Το εξώφυλλο του προγράμματος της εορτής
The cover of the celebration programme

ID cards for LtE members were instated.

Timeline

Continue your journey to the first 100 years of Lykeion ton Ellinidon