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Pamela Smith

1914 – 1982

Noblewoman; English society hostess, born 1914; died 1982

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About Pamela Smith

Lived 1914 – 1982 (aged 67). Pamela Smith was a British socialite and aristocrat, known for Bright Young Things.

Pamela Margaret Elizabeth Berry, Baroness Hartwell (née Smith; 16 May 1914 – 7 January 1982), was an English socialite, known for her political salon. She was part of the Bright Young Things crowd, and Cecil Beaton wrote an entry about her in his The Book of Beauty. She became one of Britain's museum leaders.

Early life Born in London, the youngest child of F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead, and Margaret Eleanor Furneaux, daughter of academic Henry Furneaux, she was called Lady Pamela. When she was still in her teens, Cecil Beaton wrote of her and her sister Eleanor in The Book of Beauty, "Pamela is like the little Robinetta of Sir Joshua Reynolds with the thrush on her raised shoulder."

Family life In 1936, she married Michael Berry

Works Lady Pamela's interest in American politics led her to observing presidential candidates, travelling along with them on planes and buses after the 1950s. In the 1970s, she sat on the Victoria and Albert Museum's advisory council (1973 to 1978) and was chairman of the British Museum Society for four years before becoming a trustee of the museum in 1979. She also presided over the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers and was active in the British section of the Franco-British Council, working to promote British fashions internationally. She died on 7 January 1982.

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Important facts

Birth century
Known for
Bright Young Things
Positions held
President, Trustee
Also known as
Pamela Margaret Elizabeth Smith, Pamela Hartwell, Pamela Berry, Baroness Hartwell, Lady Hartwell, Pamela Margaret Elizabeth Berry
moreLady Pamela Margaret Elizabeth Smith, Lady Pamela Smith

Family & relationships

Spouse
Michael Berry, Baron Hartwell
Child
Adrian Berry, 4th Viscount Camrose
Parent
F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead

People in Pamela Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Pamela Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Pamela Smith?

noblewoman; English society hostess, born 1914; died 1982

When was Pamela Smith born?

Pamela Smith was born on 16 May 1914 in London.

When did Pamela Smith die?

Pamela Smith died on 7 January 1982 in London.

What was Pamela Smith's occupation?

Pamela Smith was a socialite and aristocrat.

What was Pamela Smith known for?

Pamela Smith was known for Bright Young Things.

What nationality was Pamela Smith?

Pamela Smith was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Pamela Smith

· Wikidata: Q40403015

· DBpedia: Lady Pamela Smith

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Pamela Smith. https://biography.guide/pamela-smith/

MLA: "Pamela Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/pamela-smith/.

Chicago: "Pamela Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/pamela-smith/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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