Ouida, Marie Lame Plaque

In a world of opulent prose and lavish living, she reigned supreme. Right here, at the “Ouida, Marie Lame” plaque, we remember the flamboyant life of Maria Louise Ramé, better known by her pen name, Ouida. This plaque marks a London residence of the prolific novelist. Ouida wrote over 40 novels, children’s stories, and essays. Her life, like her writing, was a whirlwind of extravagance, passion, and controversy. Ouida, born in Bury St Edmunds in 1839, rose to literary fame in the 1860s. Her early novels, considered “racy” for their time, featured independent heroines and thrilling adventures. One of her most famous works, “Under Two Flags,” published in 1867, depicted British military life in Algeria. The novel showcased Ouida’s sympathy for the French colonists and even the Arabs, a stance that raised eyebrows in Victorian England. “Under Two Flags” became a stage play and was adapted into film six times. The “Ouida, Marie Lame” plaque whispers tales of the novelist’s extravagant London life. She held lavish soirées at the Langham Hotel, entertaining literary figures like Oscar Wilde and Algernon Swinburne. Ouida lived a life of luxury, surrounded by purple flowers, writing by candlelight, with curtains drawn against the daylight. She drew inspiration from the vibrant personalities she encountered, weaving their stories into her novels. Beyond the glamour, Ouida’s work often tackled social issues, reflecting her sharp observations of the world around her. Her children’s classic, “A Dog of Flanders,” published in 1872, continues to be cherished in many parts of Asia. The “Ouida, Marie Lame” plaque serves as a reminder of a complex character, a woman who defied convention and embraced a life of passion and creativity. Although successful, Ouida’s extravagant lifestyle eventually led to financial difficulties.  Despite receiving a civil list pension, she died in poverty in Italy in 1908. This plaque commemorates Ouida’s time in London. It is a tribute to a writer who dared to challenge social norms and whose stories captivated readers around the world.