Mister Harrys

It is a special moment for any collector when you manage to acquire a piece of history that feels both personal and timeless. I’ve recently added two stunning photographs to my collection featuring the incomparable Jane Seymour, and they offer a wonderful glimpse into a specific, high-energy moment in the early 1990s.

The reverse of these prints provides the perfect context: "January 11, 1991. Jane Seymour at the Banff Norquay celebrity sports invitational held at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada hosted by Marjoe Gortner."

The event itself was part of a beloved tradition in the Canadian Rockies. The Banff Norquay Celebrity Sports Invitational was a staple of the winter season, blending high-stakes charity fundraising with the thrill of alpine skiing. Hosted by Marjoe Gortner—the former child evangelist turned actor and producer—these invitationals were famous for bringing Hollywood’s elite to the breathtaking scenery of Alberta.

The Banff Springs Hotel, often called the "Castle in the Rockies," served as the majestic backdrop for the festivities. In these photos, we see Jane Seymour embracing the spirit of the event, donning her racing bib (number 164) and Ellesse gear. It wasn’t just about the gala dinners; these stars actually hit the slopes of Mt. Norquay, proving their athleticism in front of the crisp mountain air and the flashing bulbs of the press.

Looking at these images, it is impossible not to be struck by Jane Seymour’s radiant beauty. In 1991, she was just a few years away from her iconic role in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and she possessed a natural, effortless grace that the camera simply loved. Even bundled in heavy winter layers and ski boots, her poise is undeniable.

There is a certain "Old Hollywood" glamour that Jane has always carried with her—a combination of those piercing, expressive eyes and a smile that feels genuinely warm. In these candid shots, she doesn’t look like a distant star; she looks like a woman enjoying the exhilaration of the outdoors, yet she still manages to look like a million dollars. Her ability to maintain such elegance while participating in a rugged sporting event is exactly why she remains one of the most photographed and admired women of her generation.

These photos are more than just memorabilia; they are a time capsule of 1991 celebrity culture—a time when events felt a bit more intimate and the grandeur of the Canadian wilderness was the ultimate stage. Seeing Jane Seymour in this setting, captured in classic black and white, adds a layer of nostalgia that makes these a truly prized addition to my archive.

I've added to my collection this photo of the gorgeous Jane Seymour, captured on a day when Hollywood and London truly merged. On the back, the inscription reads: "March 17, 1991. Jane Seymour at the BAFTA Awards (British Oscars, Hollywood ceremony held at the same time as the one in London) held at the Bel Age Hotel in Los Angeles."

The photo captures Seymour on the rooftop of the Bel Age, a location that was once the epicenter of high-society events in West Hollywood. At the time, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) hosted a simultaneous satellite ceremony in Los Angeles to accommodate the many British stars living and working in California. It was a bridge across the Atlantic, and Jane Seymour—an actress who effortlessly navigated both British prestige and Hollywood stardom—was the perfect embodiment of that connection.

Jane’s beauty in this shot is nothing short of ethereal. Dressed in a sharply tailored blazer with contrast trim and sleek leather details, she perfectly captures the transition from 80s opulence to 90s chic. Her radiant smile and the natural flow of her hair against the Los Angeles skyline remind us why she was often referred to as the "Queen of the Miniseries" and a "Bond Girl" icon. She possesses a classic, porcelain elegance that seems untouched by time, standing against the ornate wrought-iron railings of the hotel terrace.

The 1991 BAFTA ceremony was a fascinating moment in entertainment history, marked by a mixture of technological ambition and global tension. While the main gala was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the gathering at the Bel Age Hotel in Los Angeles was far more than just a satellite "viewing party"—it was a fully integrated, live broadcast event.

The primary reason for the bifurcated ceremony (LA and London) was actually the first Gulf War. At the time, there was a significant fear of international travel among American celebrities due to security concerns. Rather than lose the presence of their biggest stars, BAFTA decided to bring the ceremony to them, creating a glamorous "Hollywood outpost" at the Bel Age.

Because the ceremony relied on a complex satellite link-up across eight time zones, things didn't go perfectly. During the presentation of the Best Actor award, the satellite contact with Los Angeles was completely severed due to a power failure. The London host, Noel Edmonds, had to ad-lib for several minutes until the link was restored. Eventually, they got back to LA to announce Philippe Noiret (for Cinema Paradiso) as the winner.

The Los Angeles portion was hosted by the legendary Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. While the London ceremony was traditional and scripted, the LA segments at the Bel Age were described as "loose and spontaneous." Connolly’s energy turned the Hollywood event into a lively, late-night party atmosphere that many critics felt actually outshone the formal proceedings in the UK.

The night was a massive sweep for Martin Scorsese and Goodfellas. In a unique visual, when the film won for Best Adapted Screenplay, the award was accepted via two different satellite feeds: Nicholas Pileggi was in New York, while Scorsese was in Florida. Jane Seymour herself stood on stage in Los Angeles alongside veteran actor Karl Malden to present that very award.

Key Winners That Night

Best Film: Goodfellas
Best Actress: Jessica Tandy for Driving Miss Daisy (Presented by Timothy Dalton and Whoopi Goldberg).
Best Supporting Actress: Whoopi Goldberg for Ghost.
Best Supporting Actor: Salvatore Cascio, who was only 12 years old at the time, for his role in Cinema Paradiso.

Capturing a piece of Hollywood history is always a thrill, and my latest find is a true gem. I’ve recently added this stunning vintage photograph of the legendary Jane Seymour to my collection, and it’s a breathtaking reminder of why she has remained a global style icon for over half a century.

The physical photograph carries a charming piece of history on its reverse:

"March 20, 1991. Jane Seymour at the 43rd annual Writers Guild of America awards held at the Beverly Hills hotel in Beverly Hills."

The event itself was a prestigious gathering of the industry’s greatest minds. The 43rd Annual Writers Guild of America Awards took place at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel—the "Pink Palace"—which has served as the backdrop for Hollywood’s most intimate and glamorous moments since 1912.

That evening in 1991 was particularly special, as it featured the WGA's first-ever female emcee, the brilliant comedian Elayne Boosler. The room was filled with the year's top storytellers; notable winners that night included Callie Khouri for her groundbreaking screenplay for Thelma & Louise and Ted Tally for the chillingly masterful The Silence of the Lambs. Amidst this sea of literary giants, Jane Seymour shone as a beacon of classic Hollywood elegance.

In the photograph, Jane is the epitome of 90s sophistication. Clad in a striking black ensemble with dramatic, sheer voluminous sleeves, she perfectly balances the era's love for bold silhouettes with her own innate grace. Even in a candid black-and-white shot, her radiant smile and piercing eyes—one of her most famous and beautiful features—command the frame.

Often referred to as the "Queen of the Miniseries" during this era, Jane was just a couple of years away from her iconic run as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Looking at this photo, it’s easy to see why she was a favorite of photographers and fans alike; she possesses a rare, "ageless" quality that feels as fresh today as it did thirty-five years ago. This photo isn't just a piece of paper; it’s a frozen moment of glamour from one of Hollywood's most legendary venues.