ELLEN

[Ellen Terry, distinguished Shakespearian actress of the Victorian and Edwardian period.] Intimate Autograph Letter Signed (‘Nellaline’), sending her ‘very little heart [to George Meredith’s daughter]’.

Author: 
Ellen Terry [Dame Alice Ellen Terry] (1847-1928), distinguished Shakespearian actress of the late-Victorian and Edwardian periods, acted opposite Henry Irving
Publication details: 
17 March 1889; on letterhead of 22 Barkston Gardens, Earls Court, S.W. [London]
£80.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. An attractive and unusual item of correspondence, neatly written out in her distinctive handwriting. 1p, 12mo. On leaf of onion paper, carefully laid down on thicker backing. In good condition, slightly discoloured. Folded three times for postage. Reads: ‘A little little heart! So little! but anything “in the way of” a heart should not be flouted, nor scouted, & so I pray you to accept my very little heart - / It’s not worth the thanking for, only don’t send it back to me. / Nellaline. / March 17: 89:’.

Mrs. Henry Wood [Ellen Wood, née Price], English author whose best-known work is ‘East Lynne’ (1861).

Author: 
Mrs. Henry Wood [Ellen Wood, née Price] (1814-1887), English author whose best-known work is ‘East Lynne’ (1861)
Wood
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00
Wood

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The valediction of a letter, cut away for an autograph collector. On a slip of paper, around 7.5 x 1.5 cm. On lightly discoloured paper, with tear through signature, attached to piece of card with archival tape. Reads: ‘Very sincerely yours / Ellen Wood’.

[Dame Ellen Terry.] Autograph Note Signed (‘Ellen Terry:’), announcing that she has ‘found it!’

Author: 
Ellen Terry [Dame Alice Ellen Terry] (1847-1928), leading English actress of the late-Victorian and Edwardian periods
Publication details: 
7 December 1897; on letterhead of the Grand Hotel, Manchester.
£32.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB, and in particular the section headed ‘A great actress’. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Very nice letterhead with engraving of the imposing hotel. In her large, bold hand, the note reads: ‘I have found it! / & am so glad - / Hoping you are much better / Yrs. sincerely / Ellen Terry: / 7 December . 97:’.

[‘Edna Lyall’ (Ada Ellen Bayly), novelist and suffragist.] Autograph Signature on inscription.

Author: 
‘Edna Lyall’ [Ada Ellen Bayly] (1857-1903), English novelist and suffragist
Lyell
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00
Lyell

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Clearly written in response to a request for an autograph. On 11.5 x 5.5 piece of wove paper, cut from an album. In good condition. Reads: ‘Yours very truly / Ada Ellen Bayly / “Edna Lyall.” ’.

[Louise Chandler Moulton, American author.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Louise C. Moulton') to 'Mr. Boyd', including holograph poem 'Has Spring Come Back?', which she has written that day for a party celebrating the engagement of Longfellow's daughter.

Author: 
Louise Chandler Moulton [born Ellen Louise Chandler] (1835-1908), American author and poet [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American poet]
Publication details: 
Letter: 31 December [1884]; 28 Rutland Square, Boston. Poem signed and dated 'S. C. M. | Dec. 31. 1884.'
£300.00

A nice item, in which, writing to a friend in London, Moulton describes, and encloses a holograph copy of, the poem she has written that very day for the following day's New Year's Eve party to celebrate the engagement of Longfellow's youngest daughter Anne Allegra to Joseph Gilbert Thorp Jr. (1852-1931). 4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. Aged, worn and creased, with damage resulting in loss of a couple of words of text, due to tearing of the letter away from mount. The letter covers three pages, the last written lengthwise, and is forty-six lines long.

['Edna Lyall' [Ada Ellen Bayly), novelist and feminist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ellie Bayly') to her 'Aunt Agnes', regarding the publication of her novel 'Knight Errant', family birthdays, and her father's seal.

Author: 
'Edna Lyall', pen-name of Ada Ellen Bayly (1857-1903), novelist and feminist
Publication details: 
27 February 1887. On letterhead of 6 College Road, Eastbourne.
£45.00

3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Begins: 'My dearest Aunt Agnes | Thank you very much indeed for your last letter. I send with this the announcement of my new book "Knight Errant", & if it would not trouble you to pass on the cards to any likely readers I should be very grateful.' She gives news of her children Amy and Maurice, and is enclosing 'a list of all the children of the family & their birthdays' (not present).

[The Ranyard Mission: district nursing in London.] Printed pamphlet: 'The District Nurses of the Biblewomen & Nurses Mission. 2, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, W.C. Report, 1894.' [With 'Notes' of eight medical cases.]

Author: 
Ranyard Mission [Biblewomen & Nurses Mission, founded by Ellen Henrietta Ranyard as London Bible and Domestic Female Mission]; her neice Emily Selfe Leonard; Mercers Company; London district nursing
Publication details: 
[The Biblewomen & Nurses Mission [Ranyard Mission], 2 Adelphi Terrace, Strand, W.C., London. 1894.] Printed by Cassell & Company, Limited, La Belle Sauvage, London, E.C.
£80.00

The Biblewomen & Nurses Mission was founded as the London Bible and Domestic Female Mission in 1857, with the aim of bringing religious education to the poor. See the account of the founder Ellen Henrietta Ranyard (1810-1879) in the Oxford DNB. In 1868, Ranyard expanded the organisation to include the nursing of the sick poor in their own homes, in response to what the 'Biblewomen' saw of the sick, and three years later the Mission began to receive support from the Mercers Company. After Ranyard's death she was succeeded as Hon.

[Charles Kean and his wife Ellen Tree prepare to return from America.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Rt. Clarke.') from Robert Clarke to Benjamin Webster, asking on Kean's behalf for 'information respecting Theatres in England', discussing Kean and wife.

Author: 
Robert Clarke, actor-manager, Theatre Royal, Liverpool [Charles Kean (1811-1868), actor-manager, son of Edmund Kean, husband of Ellen Tree (1805-1880); Benjamin Webster (1797-1882), actor, dramatist]
Publication details: 
2 Bladud Buildings, Bath. 27 December 1846.
£80.00

2pp, 12mo. Bifolium, endorsed 'Clarke' on reverse of second leaf. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Folded three times. The letter begins: 'My dear Webster, | Charles Kean has requested me to give him information respecting Theatres in England, in which it is probable he may form engagements on his return from America, as he wishes his plans to be arranged if possible previous to his departure from the United States, so as he may see his way clearly on his arrival in England.' He asks whether it would answer Webster's purpose 'to make any proposal to him'.

[Lyric Theatre, London: First World War benefit concert.] Programme for 'Ellen Terry's Bouquet', 'In Aid of the Concerts at the Front'. Containing 'Letter from the Commander-in-Chief', Douglas Haig.

Author: 
Lena Ashwell; Concerts at the Front; Lyric Theatre, London; Dame Ellen Terry; Lilian Braithwaite; Dorothy Moulton; E. V. Lucas; Harry Grattan; Howard Carr; Frederick Rosse; Douglas Haig
Publication details: 
Lyric Theatre, London ('Organised by Miss Lena Ashwell in conjunction with the Ladies' Auxiliary Committee of the Y.M.C.A.'), on 29 June 1917. [Slug: 'LONDON: FINDEN BROWN AND CO. LTD., 15, CRAVEN STREET, STRAND'.]
£80.00

11 + [1]pp, 4to. Stitched with pink thread and unbound. In fair condition, lightly aged. Nicely printed on laid paper, with cover illustration in black and green of view from back of stage of dancer receiving a bouquet from an audience. The second page gives details of the performance, with a list of the names of the 'Executive Committee'. The programme is on pp.3-11. Divided into 16 numbers. After five songs, the main feature (numbers 6-15 pp.4-8) is 'Chelsea on Tiptoe | New Version', with 'A Prologue | Written specially for “Ellen Terry's Bouquet” | By E. V.

[ Maria Ellen Reeks, wood carver and director of the School of Art Wood-Carving, South Kensingon. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('M E Reeks') to 'Mr. White', describing the relocation of the school to new premises. With printed ticket announcing the move

Author: 
Maria Ellen Reeks (1858-1929), wood carver, teacher and director of the School of Art Wood-Carving, South Kensington
Publication details: 
Letter from 38 Thurloe Place, on letterhead of the School of Art Wood-Carving, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, S.W. [ London ] 27 December 1908.
£65.00

Letter: 4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. After discussing his relocation to Paris, she asks whether he has heard 'the news about our School and how we have just moved?

[ Bridget Guinness, sculptor and society hostess. ] Autograph Ownership Inscription and medical notes inside copy of Delano and McIsaac's 'American Red Cross Textbook on Elementary Hygiene and Home Care of the Sick'.

Author: 
Bridget Guinness [ née Bridget Henrietta Frances Williams-Bulkeley ] (1871-1931), sculptor and society hostess, friend and benefactor of Dame Ellen Terry [ Jane A. Delano and Isabel McIsaac ]
Publication details: 
Ownership inscription dated 1915. Book published in Philadelphia by P. Blakiston's Son & Co, 1012 Walnut Street, February 1914.
£120.00

The book is xv + 256pp., 8vo. In grey cloth binding with printed cover. In fair condition, on aged paper, with front hinge split. Ownership inscription in blue pencil on front pastedown: 'Bridget Guinness | 8 Washington Sq | 1915'. In same blue pencil on reverse of rear free endpaper is a note of an appointment for a meeting with 'the American Florence Nightingale', Anna C. Maxwell (1851-1929), who was then the Director of the School of Nursing at the Presbyterian Hospital: '4 ock Tuesday Presbyterian 70th N Mad. Miss Maxwell's office -'.

[ George Pearson, English film director. ] Christmas Card, with Signed Autograph inscription to his pupil the set designer 'Edward Carrick' (Edward Craig), with copy of his 'Photographic Journal' article 'The Film in Colonial Development'.

Author: 
George Pearson [ George William Pearson ] (1875-1973), English film director [ 'Edward Carrick' [ pseudonym of Edward Anthony Craig ('Teddy') ] (1905-1998), film and stage designer and artist ]
Publication details: 
Christmas card dated 1970. Photographic Journal article, August 1948.
£45.00

ONE: Christmas card. 12mo bifolium, with coloured illustration of Christmas candle on cover. Pearson writes: 'FOR [corrected from 'from'] | Edward. A. Carrick | from his old inspirer | George Pearson | 1970'. The association between the two men was warm.

[ George William Lovell, playwright. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Geo W Lovell') to theatrical publisher T. H. Lacy, regarding the publication of 'The Wife's Secret' and 'The Trial of Love'. With autograph prelims of the former play by Lovell.

Author: 
George William Lovell (1804-1878), playwright and novelist [ Thomas Hailes Lacy (1809-1873), actor, playwright, and theatrical publisher; Charles Kean [ Charles John Kean ]; Ellen Kean ]
Publication details: 
Letter: Vale Lodge, Hampstead Heath. 28 July [ no year, but after the death in 1868 of Charles Kean ].
£150.00

Both items in good condition, on lightly aged paper. Letter: 2pp., 12mo. The letter begins: 'Mrs. Kean has given me back possession of the two Plays. The Wife's Secret & The Trial of Love. & the advice of Mr. Coyne was that I should add them to the Dram[ati]c. Authors Society's list.' Under the circumstances, he asks whether Lacy would be 'desirous of printing them & if so what would be your arrangement?' He suggests a meeting the following day. Autograph prelims: 3pp., 4to. Bifolium, with bottom half of second leaf torn away.

[Printed quarto booklet.] Old Janet's Christmas Gift.

Author: 
Mrs Ellen Ross (Nelsie Brook) [Ellen Edith Alice Brook (d.1892)] [S. W. Partridge & Co, London]
Publication details: 
'No. 3. Coloured Series.' London: S. W. Partridge & Co., 9, Paternoster Row. [1870s.]
£180.00

17pp. 4to. Three illustrations: one in colour on the cover, and one each in black and white on the back wrap. The last page of text, numbered 17, is on the back inner wrap, followed by a decorative presentation of a biblical text. Covering the back outer cover is a black and white decorative representation of the text 'GLORY TO GOD | ON EARTH PEASE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN. | IN THE HIGHEST', engraved by 'T. M.'. In coloured wraps, with attractive cover carrying a large coloured illustration of Old Janet and three others, looking at a donkey.

Autograph Letter Signed from the actor and playwright Henry Leslie to the actor John Clark, sending a copy of a play ['The Village Blacksmith'] which Ellen Terry 'wanted to take to Webster', and commending Clark for the lead role.

Author: 
Henry Leslie (1830-1881), English actor and playwright [John Clark, actor; Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928), actress; Benjamin Webster (1798-1882), actor-manager]
Publication details: 
36 Queens Crescent, Haverstock Hill, NW [London]. 25 March 1867.
£40.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Good, on lightly-aged paper, with small hole through both leaves. He will be too busy over the following days to visit Clark in person, 'and so I send you the first act of the MSS I talked to you about - I may say I read the 1st. act one afternoon to Miss Terry who wanted to take it to Webster - but I was disinclined'. If Clark 'had anything to do with it - the Blacksmith would be the [last word underlined] part'. He asks Clark to return it as soon as he can: 'as this is the American copy - and they expect it (but of course won't get it) by next mail'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Teddy Craig') from Edward Gordon Craig to Nannie Florence Dryhurst, anarchist, suffragette, giving details of his charges for designing and printing bookplates. With proof of Craig's bookplate for Dryhurst.

Publication details: 
Letter on letterhead of 17 Sunderland Terrace, London W2. Neither item dated.
£250.00

Letter: 1p., 12mo. On letterhead of 12 Sunderland Terrace, London, printed in orange with orange border. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He states that his daughter Nelly (1904-1975) has given him her bookplate block 'to get printed for you'. He quotes prices for 100 and 300 prints, 'only to old friends so please dont tell anyone else!! If you will just let me have a P.C I will get them done in two days.' Nelly has also told him that Mrs Dryhurst's husband Alfred Robert Dryhurst (1859-1949) 'wanted to know my price for a bookplate (but perhaps she got that wrong) anyhow I generally charge £10.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Ada Ellen Bayly / "Edna Lyall."') by the novelist Edna Lyall (real name Ada Ellen Bayly), on the part played by illustrations in novels.

Author: 
'Edna Lyall', pseudonym of the novelist Ada Ellen Bayly (1857-1903)
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 6 College Road, Eastbourne. 11 January 1893.
£90.00

2pp., 12mo. Fifteen lines. On bifolium. Fair, on lightly-aged paper. The male recipient is not named. She apologies that 'the crowd of Christmas engagements' has meant that his letter has gone unanswered until now. 'With regard to the question you ask, my feeling is that where an artist and an author can contrive to work well together illustrations are a decided improvement to novels. But it is most trying to an author to see his characters presented to the public in a way utterly unlike his own conception of them.' In her view it is 'clear gain' if a book can be 'well illustrated'.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Helen Mathers. | (Helen Reeves)') to unnamed male correspondent.

Author: 
Helen Mathers' [pen name of Ellen Buckingham Mathews (1853-1920); Helen Reeves; Mrs. Reeves], English popular novelist
Publication details: 
1 December 1879; on letterhead of 6 Grosvenor Street, [London] W.
£125.00

12mo, 3 pp. Bifolium. Spike hole through both leaves, not affecting text. Fair, on aged paper. She states that 'The story would be ready to commence the 2nd. week in March.' She then gives a list of her five 'other works besides Comin' thro the Rye'. The first two in the list are said to have passed through '3 editions', and of the second in the list 'a further is in preparation'.

Shakespearian and Dramatic Catalogue [including books from the libraries of Ellen Terry and Henry Arthur Jones]

Author: 
P. J. & A. E. Dobell, booksellers, 77 Charing Cross Road [Shakespeare; Ellen Terry; Henry Arthur Jones]
Publication details: 
1930. No. 362. Printed by Robt. Stockwell, Baden Place, Borough, London.
£100.00

8vo, 72 pp. Stapled and unbound. Complete. On aged paper. The outer leaves are worn and coming apart at the spine. Otherwise the item is sound and tight. 1976 items. Items 783 to 883 concern 'the Bacon-Shakespeare Controversy'. Items 888 to 893 are 'Books from the Library of the late Dame Ellen Terry.' ('Only a few Books from her Library were sold, and Association Books are very difficult to obtain.'). Items 894 to 982 are 'Books on the Drama and Shakespeare, from the library of Henry Arthur Jones'. Items 983 to 1976 are 'Books on the Drama'.

Printed Memorandum of Agreement with Anthony Blond Ltd, signed 'Ellen Wright', for the English publication rights of her husband's 'Lawd Today'; with a typed agreement between Blond and Hamilton & Co. for the English paperback rights.

Author: 
Ellen Wright (nee Poplar) (1912-2004), second wife and widow of the American author Richard Wright (1908-60)
Publication details: 
Memorandum, London, 29 June 1964; paperback rights, London, 15 May 1964.
£56.00

The Memorandum is a four-page folio (leaf size roughly fourteen inches by nine and a half) bifolium. In very good condition, lightly creased and folded. It details Mrs Wright's royalties (as 'proprietor'), advance and percentages. The paperback rights agreement consists of four typewritten pages, on four leaves, each roughly thirteen inches by eight, stapled together at the head beneath green tape. Very good, though lightly creased and with some fraying to tape. It is signed by the Hamilton & Co. chairman Joseph and witnessed by his secretary E. M. Holloway.

Autograph Signature on fragment of letter.

Author: 
Edna Lyall (Ada Ellen Bayly)
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£18.00

English novelist (1857-1903). Paper dimensions roughly four and a quarter inches by two and a quarter inches. Very good, but grubby and with a few light glue stains. From autograph album and mounted on larger piece of light blue paper. Reads '[...] | it will save confidencce. | In gt. haste | Yrs. truly | A. E. Bayly.' Docketed '(Edna Lyall)' in pencil beneath signature.

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