Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths

Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths: The Cottingley Fairies

The History and Background

In 1917, two young girls from Cottingley, Yorkshire, England, sparked one of the most enduring controversies in paranormal history with what appeared to be photographs of fairies. The story of Elsie Wright (née Bligh) and Frances Griffiths remains a fascinating case study in both photography and alleged supernatural phenomena.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The First Photograph: June 1917

Elsie Wright, then aged 16, and her cousin Frances Griffiths, who was also 16 at the time, began taking photographs of fairies. Their first picture, taken on June 25, 1917, depicted a seated girl with two fairies in the background. The girls claimed that they had dressed up as fairies and posed for their cousins.

#### The Second Photograph: October 1917

The second photograph was taken on October 13, 1917. This time, Frances was said to be sitting beside a tree with a fairy above her head, while Elsie held the camera. Neither girl could explain how they managed to pose in such an environment, and their parents were equally puzzled.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Arthur Conan Doyle’s Involvement

The most significant development occurred when novelist and paranormal advocate Sir Arthur Conan Doyle saw the photographs. Impressed by what he believed was irrefutable evidence of fairies, Doyle published a series of articles in his newspaper, The Strand Magazine, which helped to popularize the photographs among British readers.

#### Expert Opinions

Sir Norman Lockyer, editor of Nature magazine, conducted an extensive investigation and confirmed that there were no signs of tampering. He concluded that the figures could not be easily explained as being from a card or a toy and suggested that they might indeed be fairies. However, this opinion was highly controversial at the time.

Investigations or Research

#### The 1983 Reinvestigation

In 1983, after both girls had passed away, researchers revisited the case. They discovered that Elsie had a keen interest in photography and had recently acquired a camera from her aunt. The pictures were taken with a Kodak No. 2 Brownie camera, which had a lens that was not capable of capturing objects behind the subjects clearly.

#### Elsie’s Account

Elsie Wright revealed years later that she had used cut-out figures from a popular fairy and dragon book called Fairy Folk of the British Isles by Edwin Sidney Hartland. She had then placed these figures in the background using double exposure techniques. Frances Griffiths admitted to her role in staging the photographs, but claimed they were not meant as trickery; she felt compelled to support Elsie.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

#### Official and Public Perception

Despite later revelations about the photos’ creation, the case remains a popular subject of interest for parapsychologists and skeptics alike. Many believe that the photographs still represent an unsolved mystery, while others see them as clear evidence of fraud.

#### Cultural Impact

The Cottingley Fairies have been featured in numerous books, documentaries, and even works of fiction. The incident has become a symbol of the power of belief and its influence on perception, making it a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why did Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths take these photographs?

A: Elsie was interested in photography and had recently received a new camera. She saw an opportunity to create something intriguing, possibly influenced by her interest in fairies from books and folklore.

Q: How were the photographs initially received by the public?

A: The photographs gained immediate attention when Arthur Conan Doyle published them in *The Strand Magazine*. His endorsement gave them widespread credibility, leading many readers to believe they were genuine.

Q: What evidence led to the exposure of the hoax?

A: In 1983, researchers discovered that Elsie had used double exposure techniques and cut-out figures from a book. Frances admitted to her role in staging the photographs but maintained they were not meant as tricks.

Q: How did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s involvement affect the case?

A: Doyle’s public support for the photographs significantly boosted their credibility. His influence helped spread the images among his readers, cementing them in popular culture despite later revelations.

Q: What does this case tell us about belief and perception?

A: The Cottingley Fairies demonstrate how a belief can be powerful enough to shape reality—or at least our perceptions of it. Even when presented with evidence that contradicts established beliefs, some people may choose to believe in the authenticity of extraordinary claims.

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The Cottingley Fairies remain a compelling case study in both photography and alleged supernatural phenomena. Their story continues to fascinate because it touches on themes of belief, deception, and the human desire for evidence of the extraordinary.