Cottingley Fairies Hoax Photos Auctioned Lincolnshire

Two of the famous Cottingley Fairies photographs taken in 1917 by cousins Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths, which appeared to show the girls with fairies and sparked global fascination, are set to be auctioned in Lincolnshire. These images were initially believed genuine, even after expert examination of the glass plate negatives, and were popularized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and spiritualist Edward Gardner. Frances gifted a set of the photographs to her childhood friend Mary Anderson, who believed in their authenticity for decades until Elsie and Frances confessed in 1983 that the fairies were cardboard cut-outs held up with hatpins, making the photos a hoax. Mary was devastated by the revelation, having held onto the photos and related memorabilia for over 60 years. The auction includes two original photographs, archival material, and a childhood photo of Mary and Frances, with strong interest from potential bidders. The story highlights the enduring cultural impact of the images and the personal heartbreak of those who believed in their authenticity.