[ 'Allan Aynesworth' [ Edward Abbot-Anderson ], English actor. ] Five Autograph Letters Signed, one to Cyril Maude and rest to W. Macqueen-Pope, about a benefit performance for Maude at the Haymarket Theatre, and containing biographical information.

Author: 
Allan Aynesworth [ born Edward Abbot-Anderson ] (1864-1959), English actor whose career spanned six decades [ Cyril Maude; W. Macqueen-Pope ]
Publication details: 
Both from Larkwood, off Chobham Road, Camberley, Surrey. Letter to Maude dated 14 February 1942; letter to MacQueen-Pope dated 9 April 1942.
£180.00
SKU: 17959

BThe five items in fair condition, lightly-aged, with slight rust staining from paperclip. In a difficult hand. ONE: ALS to Macqueen-Pope, 20 March 1941. On his Larkwood letterhead, with 'From Allan Aynesworth' at head. Undated. 3pp., landscape 12mo. Providing a deal of information about his association with Maude, the last page beginning: 'Friendship about 50 years. We joined the Garrick & Beefsteak Clubs where we dined together with so many of our Theatre Friends Inc. Wyndham Irving Alexander Hare & Kendal to name a few. , & Pinero, Barrie, Marshall, Sutro, Hay &c & many other Dramatists.' At the foot he apologises for 'a large bundle', asking 'Is this of any use'. TWO: ALS to 'My dear Cyril' [ Cyril Maude ], 14 February 1942. Signed with an indecipherable pet signature. 2pp., landscape 12mo. Regarding the forthcoming performance he asks him to instruct his 'Adv[ertisin]g. Manager' to mention him, 'as I see he has not done so in the D[aily] T[elegraph]. today. These matters to me are quite trivial, but I should not like anyone to think that I had not rallied to your forces at the matinée'. He continues with some requests regarding the programme, and in a postscript tells Maude that he has 'Been to Town to introduce to the listeners on the BBC. overseas "The Importance of being Ernest".' THREE: ALS to Macqueen-Pope, 27 March 1942. 1p., landscape 12mo. He gives the names of three other members of the 'caste', including Lyn Harding, for the piece he proposes to act in the matinée. FOUR: ALS to Macqueen-Pope, 1 April 1942. Giving 'the Caste [sic] for the Card Scene out of Maughams "The Circle" which I propose to <?> at Mr Maudes Matinée Haymarket Theatre, 24th April next'. A fourth name has been added since Item Three above, followed by 'Allan Aynesworth (in his original part)'. FIVE: ALS to Macqueen-Pope, 9 April 1942. 2pp., landscape 12mo. He is on doctor's orders to rest, and gives details of why, before stating: 'to my great regret & disappointment I cannot help my old friend Cyril Maude in his matinée after all'. If Macqueen-Pope has 'a chance of letting the Public into this unimportant fact, would you say I've go or had the Influenza & not able to join the company of C. Maudes old friends'.