Autograph Letters

autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Fred Terry
Publication details: 
20/07/90
£18.00

English actor (1864-1932), brother of Ellen Terry and member of the celebrated theatrical dynasty. Apparently in reply to a request for an autograph. "Yours always sincerely / Fred: Terry / 20th July '90". Traces of mount and glue on blank reverse.

typed note signed to Mrs [?] Halsey,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
30 May 1896, on the letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 8vo. "I shall be delighted to come and lunch with you on Thursday, June 11th., if that will suit your convenience, and the invalid promises to be quite well by that time!" Traces of mount glued to reverse of blank second leaf.

one autograph note signed to Mrs [?] Pagée,

Author: 
Henry Brodribb Irving
Publication details: 
9 December 1893, on letterhead of the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.
£25.00

English actor-manager (1870-1919), elder son of the celebrated Henry Irving. "My wife has asked me to send you the . I do so with the greatest pleasure. [...]". Discoloured, with heavy creasing to margin, and traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

autograph letter signed to [Joseph Kenny?] Meadows,

Author: 
G. Dance
Publication details: 
"Tuesday night, 23d. Feb." (docketted 1836).
£30.00

Dramatic author (so docketted). One page, 12mo. "On looking (as the young women say "promiscuously") over the list of your C. G. vice Presds. I do not perceive the name of my good friend the Duke of Beaufort - Has he never belonged to it? Or if not shall I ask him?" The reverse glued to the remains of the mount, with some slight loss (not affecting text) to one of the corners. Macready mentions Dance in his diary on a few occasions, without giving his first name in full.

autograph letter signed to Mrs [?] Wood,

Author: 
Irene Vanbrugh (stage name of Irene Barnes)
Publication details: 
no date, with letterhead 190 Earl's Court Road.
£15.00

English actress (1872-1949), made a Dame of the British Empire in 1941. Headed "Wednesday" (no date), one page, 8vo. "Mr Sydney Brooks' address is / 2 Montpelier Square / S. W. / He is the cellist who is going to play at your concert. Yours in haste / Irene Vanbrugh".

typed card signed to Robert Swan,

Author: 
Emlyn Williams
Publication details: 
17 June 1941, with Brixton postmark.
£15.00

Welsh actor, dramatist and theatre director (1905-1987). One page, 16mo. "I am afraid I am filming at the moment as well as playing in the theatre, and could not fit anything else in - I am so sorry."

autograph fragment signed to "- Bellamy, Esqr.",

Author: 
Julia Glover
Publication details: 
undated.
£35.00

English actress (1779-1850). Fragment of letter, 1 page, 8vo, signed "Julia Glover" and docketted "Mrs Glover of Drury Lane Theatre". Stuck to a torn piece of paper carrying the following biographical sketch: "Mrs Glover.

typed letter signed to Jean [Webster Brough?],

Author: 
Fred Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£15.00

English actor (1864-1932), brother of Ellen Terry and member of the celebrated theatrical dynasty. One page, cropped, 12mo. "My dear Jean, / I wish you had been in Bolton. I would have liked to have seen you. / I am so glad you have had such a chance, and, my dear, I wish you every success in your work, but above all, good health in your life. / How nice of Mayhew to say good things about me, - and how sweet of you to tell me. Bless you both. / My love to you, my dear, and to your mother when you write to her.

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent [Burney?]

Author: 
Samuel Butler
Publication details: 
Shrewsbury, 12 Dec. 1823.
£50.00

Classical scholar, headmaster of Shrewsbury, Bishop of Lichfield (1774-1839). One page, 4to, good condition. He has seen than his correspondent is a subsciber to "the adult orphan scheme" and solicits his vote for the sister of a pupil of his of whom he gives details including that she is one of twelve children of a deceased vicar, none of whom have yet been provoded for. He suggests places they might meet. In a postscript he mentions that his correspondent will receive a book of his.

autograph note signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
15 January 1880, with the embossment of the Garrick Club.
£15.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. One page, 12mo. "I fear I shall not be able to join the meeting this afternoon through important business at the Haymarket." Signed "S. B. Bancroft". Paper and glue from previous mounting on the reverse.

1 typed note signed and 1 typed note, both to J. Knowles,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
July 2 and 5 1890, both on letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£40.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. The first, signed on Wyndham's behalf by "A. R. S." "I find that instead of putting down Sir Robert Morier's address in my note-book, I simply noted down the evening. Will you kindly send me the address." The second, "Very many thanks. If my rehearsals for my "off season" piece permit me, I shall be very happy to come. Will you kindly grant me a few days' grace to ascertain." Both letters with damage to blank second leaf, including traces of glue and mount. Two items,

Autograph letter signed to John Graham Lough, sculptor (DNB).

Author: 
Peter Coxe.
Publication details: 
16 Wilmot Street, 15 June 1831.
£100.00

Poet and auctioneer (d.1844). Four pages, 4to, with many changes in his hand, especially on first page (draft?), good condition. He argues that the poem he is sending Lough, "Social Day" [which he published in 1823] contains no rhymes about Lough's sculptures because he couldn't do them justice. He adds more (and more!) compliment, referring to specific works (Samson, David,Mazeppa, etc.), waxing poetical. He wishes him health "to pursue [his] exertions" and remain an ornament to his country.

autograph fragment signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Marion Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£15.00

English actress (1852-1930), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. Fragment of letter, one page, 16mo, of irregular shape. "[...] but I did & do wish you every success dear child & thank you so much for your sweet thoughts of me = / Yours with love / Marion Terry". Remains of mount to the blank reverse.

autograph letter signed to L. Gomme,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
in envelope postmarked 6 December 1910, and on the letterhead of the Hyde Park Hotel, Knightsbridge.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. "At present & for some time past I am & have been absorbed in work preparing a New Year production. In 2 weeks, I go out of the & will then go into the play untrammeled by other matters."

one autograph letter signed to [?] Lanyon,

Author: 
Sir Edward Macnaghten, Baron Macnaghten
Publication details: 
23 June 1887, with embossment of the House of Lords.
£75.00

Judge (1830-1913), formulator of the celebrated "Macnaghten rules" of criminal insanity. 3 pp, 12mo. He makes interesting comments on the process of public appointments. "I am sorry to say it is out of my power to comply with your wishes. It is not considered proper in a person holding a judicial office as I happen to do to ask for anything or to put himself in the way of coming under an obligation to any body.

Autograph letter signed to the Dean of Westminster.

Author: 
Benjamin C. Brodie.
Publication details: 
26 Dec. <1847?>
£20.00

The Elder. Surgeon and physiologist (1783-1862). Two pages, 8vo. He is sorry to find that the Dean and his wife are ill, and that he cannot accept an invitation.

autograph note signed,

Author: 
Henry Compton [real name Charles Mackenzie]
Publication details: 
1870
£15.00

Actor-manager (1805-77). One page, 8vo, neatly mounted. "An two men ride of a horse one must ride behind" / "Shakspeare" / Henry Compton. / Theatre Royal, / Haymarket. / Jany. 24th. 1870."

one autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
E. G. Harcourt-Williams
Publication details: 
13 February 1908, Queens Theatre.
£20.00

Actor and producer (1880-1957). He would have answered sooner had he not been waiting for a photograph "which has not yet arrived - however you shall have it when it does. Your letter was delightfully refreshing adn it is good to know that the stage has such valiant supporters." Signed "E. Harcourt Williams".

autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
Marianne [Mary] Davies
Publication details: 
undated.
£35.00

Singer (1744-1816?). Signature cut away from letter, 16mo. "[...] What is the date of the affair. / Every yours lovingly / Mary Davies".

Autograph letter signed to unnamed correspondent

Author: 
Thomas Keble
Publication details: 
31/10/68
£35.00

Divine and writer, brother of John Keble (1793-1875). 2pp., 12mo. He thinks it would be as well to prefix a notice to "the Tract on Nupticions(?)", which will be removed when the volume is bound up. He has asked Dr Moberly (Bishop of Salisbury) to reply to a question about the number of copies of "the Poems" (John Keble's?).

autograph letter signed to his aunt Madeleine,

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
23 February [no year], with the letterhead 33 Brompton Crescent.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). 3 pp, 12mo. "Things are so terribly 'uncertain' with me just now. I am exceedingly busy every day arranging about a Syndicate which is to back us in a Theatre this Autumn added to this the latest play at the Comedy is not a success & we may be plunged into Rehearsals any day. When things 'calm down' a bit I will let you know if we can come. I should like to very much if we can manage it."

autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Marion Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£12.00

English actress (1852-1930), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. One page, 12mo. Evidently in reply to a request for an autograph. "Yours truly / Marion Terry".

one autograph letter signed to [?] Palgrave,

Author: 
Charles Sugden
Publication details: 
"Sunday" (no date), 3 Pall Mall Place, on deleted letterhead 50 Pall Mall.
£25.00

Actor (1850-1921). A storm in a teacup. "I am sorry to say I must decide against you in reference to the cups & saucers, the history of them was this, Jack asked me as I had nothing to do to go & buy him some coffee cups &c / I went, bought the ones you refer to & begged Jack to accept them as a present, I am sorry that you should lose them, but am glad that you both wished to possess them".

one autograph letter signed to [Thomas] Bass of Manchester,

Author: 
Denis Neilson-Terry
Publication details: 
undated, Lew Theatre, Manchester.
£15.00

English actor (1895-1932), son of the actor Fred Terry (1864-1932) and his wife the actress Julia Emilie Neilson (1868-1957). One page, 4to. "I must write to you now just to say how much I enjoyed your letter, & the great good-fellowship & hospitable sport, that prompted the sending of it. All I can say is that you're all splendid to be so good & helpful to me, thank you again & again".

autograph letter signed to Mrs [?] Ransford,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
28 December [no year], with letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. "I find that Mrs Wyndham & I am assured myself also, pledged ourselves not to see The Two Roses without Mrs Sabrialli & Mrs. Albery - the same kind of pledge I made to you I have therefore resolved to keep both promises if you have no objection - & shall throw the two boxes I have reserved for all of us into one, so as to make a family party. / We cannot however this evening go to supper with you.

autograph note signed to "Dear Ken",

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
1 June [no year], on letterhead of Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Road.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 8vo. "I will let you know tomorrow. I have been working towards a certain goal - The T of P with the original cast. There has been a little uncertainty about an artist & I have been tempted to try other actors. I shall know by tomorrow". Smuding to recto, but signature not affected.

typed letter signed to M[ary]. Tennyson, with stamped addressed envelope addressed in autograph,

Author: 
Herbert Trench
Publication details: 
27 September 1909, with the letterhead of the Haymarket Theatre ("Director Mr. HERBERT TRENCH").
£12.00

One page, 4to. He thanks her for her "criticisms as to the hands and the lighting [...] Your appreciation was of the kind that I specially value. / On re-reading your One Act play, I think it needs alteration. The first ten or twelver [sic] pages are very good, but I am not at all sure that the last part will go down. Is it not a little over-sentimental?" But I will consider this further and let you have some suggestions later. I suppose you would not mind altering it to a certain extent if necessary?"

autograph letter signed in stamped envelope addressed in autograph to L. E. Berman,

Author: 
John van Druten
Publication details: 
4 December 1934, on letterhead of Kingsgate Castle, Thanet.
£20.00

Anglo-American dramatist (1901-57). One page, 8vo. "How very, very nice of you to write - and thank you so much for seeing my play twice and liking it. / It was all very disappointing and sad - and I dont think there is anything else to say. But I did appreciate your letter: thank you so much."

Autograph letter signed to [Rev. W. Tuckwell].

Author: 
F.W. Farrar
Publication details: 
Harrow, 1 April 1868.
£45.00

Divine, novelist, philologist and theological writer (1831-1903). He will get very great pleasure from being present at the laying of the foundation stone "of your new school" [in Taunton}. He goes on to describe the progress Harrow has made in science education ("All these changes are signs of the time". "I shall be very glad to have the honour of being present at the extension of a school so distinguished for efforts in this direction . . .". In a postscript he wonders if guest participation in a porcession involves "academical dress".

autograph letter signed and fragment with signature,

Author: 
Henry James Byron
Publication details: 
the letter dated 1879.
£45.00

Dramatist and actor (1834-84). The letter, to [Edward] Draper, 18 April 1879, with letterhead 1 Eccleston Square, one page, 12mo. "I send a cheque for two guineas for Straus's affair. How many of our mutual friends have dropped off since we first met! I have been obliged to subscribe widely during the last 2 years - Mrs Mellon, Chatterton, J. Clarke, Mrs Manders, Buckston W. Glover, S. L. Blanchard and others, or I would send more." Fragment cut from another letter reading "Very sincerely yours/Henry J. Byron". Stuck to another piece of paper bearing traces of a mount. 2 items.

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