[Fred Lewis, ‘The Well-known Character Impressionist and Entertainer’.] Autograph Letter Signed to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope, on striking illustrated letterhead, with copy of his publicity leaflet, with photographic portrait.

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) Letter: 1p, 4to. On cream paper. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice for postage. The letterhead, headed ‘”The Meaning of Versatility” / Fred Lewis / Creating a good impression.’, has an illustration of a series of footprints up the left margin, some with faces in them, and such slogans as ‘Mirthful Medleys’ and ‘Brilliant Burlesque’. The feet creating these ‘impressions’ are disappearing at the head of the page. He writes: ‘Dear “Popey” / A really most enjoyable evening & I was very disappointed I did not see you at the “finale”. However I hope to see you again in the near future. I am very keen on the MUSIC HALL (that was!) & would like to do my impressions over the air or on television - can you suggest to whom I might write?’ Leaftlet: 3pp, 12mo. Printed in brown, with photographic portrait of Lewis in black, on a bifolium of shiny paper. In good condition, folded once. On cover beneath the portrait of a smiling Lewis in hat, jacket and tie: ‘Fred Lewis / The well-known / Character Impressionist / and Entertainer / 44, Montagu Street, Kettering Phone 2350’. The third page announces that ‘FRED LEWIS has a very extensive repertoire of Comedy Songs, Character Impressions, and a fund of Good Stories.’ A list of his engagements begins with ‘B.B.C. (Variety Programmes)’ and ends with ‘De Montfort Hall, Leicester / and / All Principal Variety Theatres in Great Britain’.