Malcolm was born in 1868, the son of Colonel Edward Donald Malcolm, 16th of Poltalloch (1837–1930). His father's elder brother was Conservative politician John Wingfield Malcolm, Baron Malcolm of Poltalloch (1833–1902), who died childless and left the Malcolm estate to his brother Edward,[1] from whom it came to Sir Ian on his father's death in 1930.
On 30 June 1902 at St. Margaret's, Westminster, he married Jeanne Langtry, daughter of Lillie Langtry, the famous actress. Breaking all tradition, the bride was given away by her mother.[3] Unfortunately, Malcolm's family was far from impressed by their new daughter-in-law's mother—it is likely they were highly aware that Jeanne Marie's father was not Lillie Langtry's first husband, Edward Langtry, but Prince Louis of Battenberg.
Lillie saw less and less of her daughter. Jeanne and Sir Ian lived alternately in a house in Belgravia, London, or at the Malcolm's family seat at Poltalloch in Scotland.
They had four children: George Ian (who later succeeded as 18th Laird of Poltalloch) (1903–1976); Victor Neill (the first husband of the actress Ann Todd) (1905–1977) and Angus Christian Edward (1908–1971); and Helen Mary (1918–2010). Mary later became one of the first two female announcers on the BBC Television Service (now BBC One) from 1948 to 1956, during which time she became a household name in the UK. She died on 13 October 2010 at the age of 92.[4]
Publications
Sir Ian was the author of a number of books, including: A Persian Pastoral (poetry), Highland Lore and Legend, Paraphrased by I. Malcolm (in verse), Indian Pictures and Problems, Lord Balfour, Poets at Play (parodies), Songs of the Clachan, Stuff and Nonsense: a book of war verses, The Calendar of Empire, other essays: Vacant Thrones, Verses for Music, and War Pictures behind the Lines.
He also edited Convicted, a record of disloyal speeches, resolutions, leaflets and posters, published in Ireland and the USA between 1880 and 1911.
References
^"Wills". The Times. No. 36749. London. 23 April 1902. p. 11.
^"Court and circular". The Times. No. 36579. London. 7 October 1901. p. 7.
^"Court Circular". The Times. No. 36808. London. 1 July 1902. p. 3.