STAGE

[The Astor Place Riot, Manhatten, 1849.] Autograph Letter from William Charles Macready, asking Benjamin Nottingham Webster to entertain George Ticknor Curtis while he is in London, as he helped him against the 'brutality of the New York mob'.

Author: 
William Charles Macready, distinguished Victorian actor [Benjamin Nottingham Webster, actor-manager; George Ticknor Curtis (1812-94), historian; John Forster; Astor Place Riot, New York, 1849]
Publication details: 
13 May 1850. 5 Clarence Terrace, Regent’s Park [London].
£100.00

An interesting letter from one great of the nineteenth-century stage to another. See the entries on Macready, Webster and Forster in the Oxford DNB. Curtis is a noted Federalist historian. 4pp, 16mo. Bifolium with mourning border. (His eldest daughter Nina had died at the age of twenty on 24 February 1850.) In good condition, lightly aged, with traces of tape from mount adhering to the second leaf. Two postage folds. Forty lines of text, addressed to ‘Benj. Webster Esq.’ and signed ‘W. C.

[‘I’m afraid the veteran farce writer’s “little game” is nearly up!’: John Maddison Morton, playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to the actor-manager Benjamin Nottingham Webster, negotiating terms and discussing his present penury.

Author: 
John M. Morton [John Maddison Morton] (1811-1891), English playwright specialising in one-act farces, the most famous of which was ‘Box and Cox’ [Benjamin Nottingham Webster, actor-manager]
Publication details: 
‘Chertsey March 8th. [c. 1865]'..
£50.00

The phrase ‘Box and Cox’ has entered the English language. See the OED, and the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, landscape 12mo. Neatly inserted in a trimmed windowpane mount. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Signed ‘John M Morton’. Begins: ‘Dear Webster. / As Mr Anson informs me that you are “on the forward course to regenerated health” I hope I need not apologise for writing again.

[Mary Anne Keeley, actress and theatre manager.] Autograph Letter Signed, responding to a request for an autograph with ‘a Specimen of my calligraphy’ and date of birth.

Author: 
Mary Anne Keeley [née Goward] (1805-1899), English actress, wife of the actor Robert Keeley (1793-1869), with whom she managed London’s Lyceum Theatre
Publication details: 
‘10 Pelham Crescent / South Kensington [London] / June 6 1895’.
£35.00

See her entry, and that of her husband, in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, in trimmed windowpane mount. Although a short letter, her expansive and elegant hand fills the whole page. Reads: ‘Dear sir / With great pleasure I comply with your request and send a Specimen of my caligraphy [sic] / Yours very truly / Mary Anne Keeley / I was born Novr 22 1805’.

[Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, English playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed, inviting the journalist A. M. Broadley to a ‘plain breakfast’.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934), late-Victorian and Edwardian playwright [A. M. Broadley [Alexander Meyrick Broadley] (1847-1916)]
Publication details: 
On embossed letterhead of 64 St John’s Wood Road [London], NW.
£35.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient (‘Broadley Pasha’), at the time de facto editor of Edmund Yates’s magazine ‘The World’, was a scandalous figure, who richly deserves his own entry in the same work. 2pp, 16mo. Bifolium. Text on the outer pages, the inner pages carrying the remains of newspaper cuttings which were previously laid down on them. Otherwise in fair condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of tape from mount adhering to the last page, which also has a newspaper cutting laid down at its foot, regarding the death of A. Sutherland Sutton. Folded once.

[Henry Arthur Jones, playwright and polemicist.] Autograph Letter Signed to T. E. Woodrow of the London Library, thanking him for his trouble over the 'Restoration Dramatists' and proffering 'places for the Vaudeville' in return.

Author: 
Henry Arthur Jones (1851-1929), naturalist playwright and conservative polemicist [T. E. Woodrow, Chief Clerk, London Library]
Publication details: 
14 November 1884; on letterhead of The Hill House, Chalfont St Peter, via Slough, Bucks.
£45.00

'There are three rules for writing plays', Oscar Wilde is said to have declared. ‘The first rule is not to write like Henry Arthur Jones; the second and third rules are the same.’ See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, slightly trimmed at the edges, and in a windowpane mount. With two folds for postage. Addressed to ‘J E Woodrow Esqre / London Library’, and signed ‘Henry A Jones’.

[J. R. Planché [James Robinson Planche], dramatist, antiquary and officer of arms.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Miss Blackburne’, complaining that he has been ‘completely floored with an attack of influenza’.

Author: 
J. R. Planché [James Robinson Planche] (1796-1880), dramatist, antiquary and heraldic officer of arms (Rouge Croix Pursuivant)
Publication details: 
21 December 1877. On letterhead of 10 St Leonard’s Terrace, Chelsea [London].
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, in trimmed windowpane mount, with glue marking on blank reverse. He thanks her for her letter, adding ‘I am completely floored with an attack of influenza and can only just manage to scribble this and assure you that I am / Very sincerely yours / J. R. Planché’.

[‘I’m afraid the veteran farce writer’s “little game” is nearly up!’: John Maddison Morton, playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to the actor-manager Benjamin Nottingham Webster, negotiating terms and discussing his present penury.

Author: 
John M. Morton [John Maddison Morton] (1811-1891), English playwright specialising in one-act farces, the most famous of which was ‘Box and Cox’ [Benjamin Nottingham Webster, actor-manager]
Publication details: 
‘Chertsey March 8th. [c. 1865]'..
£50.00

The phrase ‘Box and Cox’ has entered the English language. See the OED, and the two men’s entries in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, landscape 12mo. Neatly inserted in a trimmed windowpane mount. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Signed ‘John M Morton’. Begins: ‘Dear Webster. / As Mr Anson informs me that you are “on the forward course to regenerated health” I hope I need not apologise for writing again.

[Theatre Royal, Dublin: John William Calcraft [stage name of John William Cole], actor-manager and dramatist.] Autograph Letter Signed to a playwright, setting out the arrangements for a production.

Author: 
John William Calcraft [stage name of John William Cole (c.1793-1870)], actor, dramatist and lessee of the Theatre Royal, Dublin
Publication details: 
‘T[heatre]. R[oyal] Dublin / 23rd Apl 1844’.
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. On first leaf of grey-paper bifolium, the blank second leaf carrying a thin strip of tape from the mount. In good condition, folded once. Signed ‘John W. Calcraft’. The recipient is not named. Thirty-four lines of text, in a somewhat difficult hand. After a reference to ‘Mrs. Cook’s letter’ he gives the details of a forthcoming production, including the dates, ending with the benefit. ‘Terms as understood 10£ per night & [?] halfbenefit. I do not usually play on the Friday Night at this time of the year as they are uniformly bad nights’.

[Fanny Stirling [née Mary Anne Hehl] (1813-1895), English actress.] Autograph Letter Signed asking the actor W. H. Swanborough, manager of the Strand and Royalty Theatres, to ‘wade thro’ the accompanying “M S”’.

Author: 
Fanny Stirling [née Mary Anne Hehl] (1813-1895), English comedy actress whose career spanned five decades [William Henry Swanborough, actor and manager of the Strand and Royalty Theatres, London]
Publication details: 
No date [between 1858 and 1872, when Swanborough managed the Strand Theatre]. ‘3 Duchess Street / Portland Place [London]’.
£35.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. The Swanboroughs were a significant Victorian theatrical dynasty, and the absence of any member of the family from the same work is puzzling. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged and lightly worn paper, with traces of glue and strip of tape from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. Addressed to ‘Mr. Swanborough’ and signed ‘Fanny Stirling’.

[The original ‘Kitty Warren’ of Bernard Shaw’s play ‘Mrs Warren’s Profession’: Fanny Brough [Frances Whiteside Brough], English actress.] Autograph Letter Signed to Rev. J. C. [Westly?], in response to a request for an autograph.

Author: 
Fanny Brough [Frances Whiteside Brough] (1852-1914), English actress associated with Charles Hawtrey, the original ‘Kitty Warren’ of Bernard Shaw’s play ‘Mrs Warren’s Profession’
Publication details: 
‘Theatre Royal / Drury Lane / London / July 20th 1892’.
£45.00

1p, 12mo. On thin paper. In good condition, lightly aged, in trimmed and spotted windowpane mount. Good bold signature ‘Fanny Brough.’ Addressed to ‘Revd. J. C. [Westly?]’. She has ‘much pleasure’ in sending him ‘the autograph’, and will do her best to get him ‘a few others which may be interesting to send out to you’.

[Charles James Mathews, actor and playwright.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Mrs Williams’, regarding a change in their plans and the gift of ‘some chops’.

Author: 
Charles James Mathews (1803-1878), actor and playwright, son of Charles Mathews (1776-1835) and husband of Madame Vestris
Publication details: 
‘Gore Lodge [Fulham] / Nov 21. 1856’.
£45.00

See his entry, and that of his father Charles and wife Madame Vestris, in the Oxford DNB. 3pp, 8vo. Bifolium with mourning border. In fair condition, on lightly aged paper, with slight damage at head of second leaf, the blank reverse of which carries traces of glue from mount. Folded once. Madame Vestris had died two and a half months before the writing of this letter, which evinces a surprising intimacy. Begins: ‘My dear Mrs Williams / Here’s a pretty business! Was there ever such disappointment.

[Charles Kean, Shakespearian actor.] Autograph Letter Signed, asking Charles Lamb Kenney to report on the ‘parting words’ he proposes to give on his ‘intended retirement from management’, after the first performance of the new season.

Author: 
Charles Kean [Charles John Kean] (1811-68), English Shakespearian actor and theatre manager, son of Edmund Kean, husband of Ellen Tree [Charles Lamb Kenney (1821-81), journalist, son of James Kenney]
Publication details: 
‘30 August 1858 / 7 Upper Hyde Park St. / Hyde Park Squre’.
£65.00

See his entry, and those of his father, wife and Kenney, in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. On first leaf of a bifolium, the blank second leaf of which carries a thin strip of tape from the mount. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Good bold signature ‘C. Kean’. Begins: ‘My dear Kenney / Would you like a P[rivate]. Box or stalls next Friday, being the opening night of our season - I should like you to give a kind of notice of my past season and of my intended retirement from management next July, to which I shall refer in the parting words I purpose delivering according to the custom’.

[‘So much for vaccination!’: Charles Mathews, celebrated actor-manager.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Harley’ [distinguished actor], indignant at a doctor after his son the actor Charles James Mathews’ attack of small pox following inoculation.

Author: 
Charles Mathews (1776-1835) the elder, celebrated actor-manager, part-proprietor of the Adelphi Theatre, London, father of the actor Charles James Mathews (1803-1878)
Publication details: 
‘Ivy Cottage [Kentish Town] / Novr 25 - /28 [1828]’.
£120.00

See his entry, and that of his son, in the Oxford DNB. The topic of this letter is referred to in the second volume of Dickens's edition of the son's life, 1879. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with strip of tape from mount adhering at edge of blank second leaf and two folds for postage. Addressed to ‘Dear Harley’ and signed ‘C Mathews.’ He begins by thanking him for his ‘kind enquiries’, and (with regard to his son the actor Charles James Mathews) writes that ‘Our dear good Charles thank God! is recovered, and writes in excellent spirits from Florence.

[Sybil Thorndike [Dame Agnes Sybil Thorndike], distinguished English actress.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Mr. Bagnall’, and Autograph Card Signed to Victor Jones, both expressing thanks.

Author: 
Sybil Thorndike [Dame Agnes Sybil Thorndike] (1882-1976), distinguished English actress whose career spanned six decades
Publication details: 
ONE: ALS to Bagnall, 2 September [no year]; on letterhead of the Midland Hotel, Manchester. TWO: ACS to Jones, ‘New Theatre W.C.2. [London] Feb. 8.’, with London postmark dated 9 February 1945.
£45.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. ONE: ALS to Bagnall. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. Reads: ‘Dear Mr. Bagnall. / How very kind of you to write me such a charming letter. I did appreciate all you said – thank you very much / Sincerely yrs / Sybil Thorndike’. TWO: ACS addressed to ‘Victor Jones Esq. / 83. Ravenhurst Road. / Harborne. / Birmingham.’ Signed ‘Sybil Thorndike.’ Aged and discoloured, with address side lightly stained. She is not sure whether she thanked him for his ‘sweet letter & card for Xmas -it was such a very kind thought & I must seem ungracious!

[Gladys Cooper [Dame Gladys Constance Cooper], English actress, star of stage and screen.] Signed Autograph Inscription to ‘Minna May’ from ‘“Auntie” Gladys’, removed from autograph album.

Author: 
Gladys Cooper [Dame Gladys Constance Cooper (1888-1971), English actress, star of stage and screen whose career spanned seven decades
Publication details: 
1935. No place.
£25.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. On 15.5 x 5.5 cm slip of paper, cut from an autograph album. In good condition, lightly aged, with some show-through from the writing on the reverse. Reads ‘To Minna May / With my love / “Auntie” Gladys / Gladys Cooper / 1935’. See Image.The writing rises slightly across the page, and a small section at the bottom of the initial ‘G’ and the ‘y’ of ‘Gladys’ have been trimmed away. On the reverse is the following, in an unidentified hand: ‘Philatelic Minna May / Came to lunch with me today: / took my box of stamps away, / Says she’ll bring ’em back – some day!

[Sir Arnold Wesker, British playwright, one of the 'Angry Young Men' of the 1950s.] Two Typed Letters Signed to Philip Dosse of 'Plays and Players', the second with reference to F. R. Leavis and 'standards', John Russell Taylor and John Tarter.

Author: 
Sir Arnold Wesker (1932-2016), British playwright whose early work drew on his experiences in the Jewish East End of London, one of the 'Angry Young Men' of the 1950s [Philip Dosse (1925-1980),]
Publication details: 
11 July and 26 September 1972; both from 27 Bishops Road, London N6.
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. The recipient Philip Dosse was proprietor of Hansom Books, publisher of a stable of seven arts magazines including Books and Bookmen and Plays and Players. Both items 1p, 4to. ONE (11 July 1972): Signed 'A. Wesker'. In good condition, with short closed tear at one edge of central postage fold. He begins by explaining how to apply for permission to print his play 'The Old Ones', adding: 'But as for writing an introduction to it, I am afraid I would prefer not to. It is a very simple, straight-forward play and doesn't need a great deal said about it.

[Sir Michael Redgrave, distinguished English actor.] Autograph Letter Signed to ‘Mr. Macdermid’, giving his reason for not wanting to join his club (not wanting to join those who are ‘known as cranks’).

Author: 
Sir Michael Redgrave [Sir Michael Scudamore] (1908-1985), English actor and head of theatrical family dynasty
Publication details: 
25 March [1944]. Garrick Theatre W.C.2. [London]. On his letterhead.
£50.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. Eighteen lines, closely written. On creased grey paper, with short closed tear at edge of central crease. The year 1944 has been added in another hand. Addressed to ‘Dear Mr. Macdermid’ and signed ‘Michael Redgrave’. He is grateful to him for the suggestion that he ‘should be an Hon. Associate Member of your Club, to which I wish every success’, but feels ‘rather strongly that I must not put my name to anything more than I can actively take part in - even if activity is confined to letter writing etc.

[Winifred Shotter, English stage and screen actress who starred in the Aldwych farces.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph by Mannell of London.

Author: 
Winifred Shotter [Winifred Florence Shotter], English stage and screen actress from Hackney, London, who starred in the Aldwych farces of the 1920s and 1930s [Mannell of London]
Publication details: 
No date (1930s). Stamped on reverse ‘MANNELL LONDON’.
£20.00

Sepia studio portrait on 8.5 x 13.5 cm postcard, stamped on reverse 'MANNELL LONDON'. In good condition, lightly aged. She signs 'Winifred Shotter' at foot. A soft-toned head and shoulders portrait of a wistful Shotter, with Marcel wave, staring at the camera in a fashionable frock. Scan on application.

[Mary Ellis [Mary Belle Elsas], American actress on Broadway and in film, who later found fame in England.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph.

Author: 
Mary Ellis [born May Belle Elsas] (1897-2003), American Broadway and screen actress and singer, particularly associated with Ivor Novello
Publication details: 
February 1944. No place.
£25.00

A black and white publicity photograph on an 11 x 15 cm collotype print. Signed at bottom right: ‘Yours sincere / Mary Ellis / Feb. 1844’. A head and shoulders portrait of a dreamy-looking Ellis in front of netting, staring downwards to her right, with her head cradled in her right hand, which is clasped by her left. In good condition, lightly aged. Scan on application

[Jessie Matthews, ‘The Dancing Divinity’, English actress, dancer and singer, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph for Gaumont-British by Raphael Tuck and Sons.

Author: 
Jessie Matthews [Jessie Margaret Matthews] (1907-1981), British actress, singer and dancer, star of stage and screen, dubbed ‘The Dancing Divinity’ [Gaumont-British; Raphael Tuck and Sons]
Publication details: 
No date. [1920s?] ‘A Gaumont-British Star / Raphael Tuck and Sons’ “Real Photograph” Postcard No. 66’, Printed in England.
£25.00

9 x 14.5 cm glossy publicity photograph. On reverse: “A Gaumont-British Star / Raphael Tuck and Sons’ “Real Photograph” Postcard No. 66”. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a couple of indentations. Inscribed at bottom right: ‘Best Wishes / Jessie Matthews’. A black and white head-and-shoulders shot of a wide-eyed Matthews staring at the viewer over her left shoulder, with short hair, in a white feather hat and white fur coat, against a black background. Scan on application.

[Dorothy Ward, English actress who specialised in the part of principal boy in pantomimes.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph by S. George of London.

Author: 
Dorothy Ward (1890-1987), English actress over five decades, who often played principal boy in pantomimes, opposite her husband Shaun Glenville [S. George, London photographer]
Publication details: 
1926. With stamp: ‘REPRO BY / S. GEORGES / [14] GREEN ST. / W.C.2.’
£25.00

Glossy black and white publicity photograph on 8.5 x 13 cm postcard, embossed with studio details at bottom right. ‘MISS DOROTHY WARD’ in white print at foot. Autograph inscription across foot: ‘Best wishes / Dorothy Ward / 1926’. In good condition, lightly aged. A head-and-shoulders image of Ward with right shoulder slightly forwards, looking upwards, with a laurel wreath around her head and frizzy short hair, in pearls and a white sleeveless gown. With stamp and Liverpool postmark on reverse, which is addressed to ‘F. J. Clare / 5 Delamere Grove / Leacombe / Wallasey’. Scan on application

[Elizabeth Allan, English actress, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph.

Author: 
Elizabeth Allan (1910-1990), English actress, star of stage and screen
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00

Publicity photograph on 8.5 x 13.5 postcard. In good condition, lightly aged, with a tiny piece worn away from bottom left. Inscription diagonally at bottom left: ‘Best wishes / Elizabeth Allan’. A black and white head-and-shoulders portrait of a young Allan, against a white background, with short wavy hair and side parting gazing to her left with beatific smile.

[Dame Gladys Cooper, English actress, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph by ‘Philco’ of London.

Author: 
Gladys Cooper [Dame Gladys Constance Cooper] (1888-1971), distinguished English actress, star of stage and screen [‘Philco’, London photographer]
Publication details: 
No date [Early 1930s?]. By ‘Philco’, London, W.C.1.
£25.00

7.5 x 11.5 cm black and white publicity photograph by ‘ “Philco” London W.C.1.’ Expansive genuine signature ‘Gladys Cooper’ across bottom part of image, in addition to facsimile signature in white at bottom right. In good condition, on postcard with border trimmed. Dark sepia-toned image. A head-and-shoulders portrait, with Cooper staring to her right, with short frizzy hair, in fashionable gown. Scan on application

[‘Our Gracie’, ‘The Lancashire Lass’: Gracie Fields, much-loved English singer, actress and comedienne, star of music hall and screen.] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Gracie Fields [born Grace Stansfield] (1898-1979), much-loved English singer, actress and comedienne, star of music hall and screen, known as ‘Our Gracie’ and ‘the Lancashire Lass’
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Good bold signature ‘Gracie Fields’, underlined and rising upwards. On 11.5 x 9 cm piece of thin light-grey card. In good condition, lightly aged, but with border of discoloration created by tape, a tiny part of which has encroached on the initial ‘G’ of the signature.

[Dame Wendy Hiller, distinguished stage and screen actress.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph.

Author: 
Dame Wendy Hiller [Wendy Margaret Hiller] (1912-2003), distinguished English stage and screen actress over six decades
Publication details: 
No date or place (1940s?).
£25.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. 8 x 13 cm collotype print, with 8 x 2 cm space at bottom in which she signs ‘Wendy Hiller.’ In good condition, lightly aged. Black and white, with Hiller’s face in left profile, her body at three-quarters, squinting to her right while wearing what looks like a buttoned-up sou’-wester. Scan on application.

[Alice Delysia [stage name of Alice Henriette Lapize], French actress and singer who moved to England and worked with C. B. Cochran and Noel Coward.] Autograph Signature on publicity photograph by Janet Jevons of London.

Author: 
Alice Delysia [stage name of Alice Henriette Lapize] (1889-1979), French actress and singer at the Moulin Rouge, who worked in England with C. B. Cochran and Noel Coward [Janet Jevons of London]
Alice Delysia
Publication details: 
Without date. At bottom right of image: ‘Portrait by Janet Jevons, 19/20 New Bond Street, W.1.’
£35.00
Alice Delysia

8.5 x 14 cm glossy publicity photograph on post card. In good condition, lightly aged. Inscribed across the bottom of the image: ‘Souvenirs / Alice Delysia’. A soft-toned head and shoulders image in black and white, of a smiling Delysia, eyebrows plucked, lips made up, and short hair Marcell-waved. See Image.

[‘She is not so really great as we hoped’: Charles Manby, civil engineer, involved in managing Adelphi and Haymarket theatres, London.] Copy Letter to Frederick Hodgson, criticising Fanny Kemble and discussing arrangement with Frederick Henry Yates.

Author: 
Charles Manby (1804-84), civil engineer [Fanny Kemble (1809-93), actress; Frederick Henry Yates (1797-1842), actor; Frederick Hodgson (1795-1854), politician; Adelphi and Haymarket theatres, London]
Publication details: 
Great George Street [London]. 8 November 1841.
£45.00

Manby’s entry in the Oxford DNB states that ‘His interests ranged beyond the engineering world, and for many years he was involved in the management of the Adelphi and Haymarket theatres.’ Manuscript copy letter. 2pp, 4to. Thirty-three lines of neat text. Addressed to ‘Frederick Hodgson Esqre. M.P.’ Ends: ‘I am Dear Sir / Your very faithfully / Charles Manby’.On first leaf of bifolium. Reverse of second leaf docketted: ‘Copy C Manby to F Hodgson Esqr / Scarbro - Novr 8. 1841’ (the letter does not contain any reference to Scarborough). In fair condition, creased and lightly aged. Folded once.

[Louis-Arsène Delaunay, French actor with the Comédie Française.] Autograph Letter Signed, in French, to Tom Taylor, playwright and editor of Punch, in enveloped addressed by him to 'Sir Tom Taylor'.

Author: 
Louis-Arsène Delaunay (1826-1903), French actor who over four decades created almost two hundred parts with the Comédie Française [Tom Taylor (1817-1880), playwright and editor of Punch]
Publication details: 
'London July 4 1879 / Upper Montagu st. W'.
£50.00

See his entry in Encyclopaedia Britannica, and Taylor's in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, and folded once. In worn envelope with Penny Red stamp and postmark, and slight loss around flap. The envelope was no doubt retained because it was addressed by Delaunay to 'Sir Tom Taylor / Lavender Sweet [sic] / Wandsworth'. A neatly laid written and laid out communication, addressed to ‘Cher Monsieur Taylor’ and signed ‘Yours truly / L Delaunay / de la Comedie française’.

[Earl Grey [Henry George Grey, 3rd Earl Grey], Liberal politician.] Autograph Letter Signed to Tom Taylor, editor of Punch, praising a performance of his play ‘The Ticket-of-Leave Man’.

Author: 
Earl Grey [Henry George Grey, 3rd Earl Grey], Secretary of State for War in two Liberal administrations [Tom Taylor (1817-1880), playwright and editor of Punch]
Publication details: 
2 June [no year, but 1863, and on paper watermarked with that date]; on letterhead of 13 Carlton House Terrace.
£65.00

See the entry for Grey and Taylor in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. On first leaf of bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. Begins: ‘Dear Mr Taylor - / I am just come home from seeing “the ticket of leave man,” & before I go to bed I must thank you for an evening of very great enjoyment.’ It pleased him ‘to see so good a play, not taken from the French, but really English, [the play was in fact adapted from the French] & teaching the public what is true instead of encouraging a popular delusion of the day’.

[Laurence Olivier, distinguished English actor, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature on publicity photograph.

Author: 
Laurence Olivier [Laurence Kerr Olivier, Lord Olivier] (1907-1989), distinguished English actor, star of stage and screen, one of the greatest actors of the twentieth century
Olivier
Publication details: 
No date or place (1930s). Stamp on reverse of The Photo Repro Co., Photo House, 10 St Martin’s Court, London WC2.
£35.00
Olivier

Olivier’s luminous achievements are well described in his entry in the Oxford DNB. An 8 x 11 cm photographic image, printed in black and white on an 8.5t x 13.5 cm card, with the actor's autograph signature mostly on the blank area beneath the image: ‘L Olivier’. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. An attractive image of the head of the young thespian, staring moodily to his right, hair slicked back, with part of white shirt and smart dark jacket just visible. Not present among the 114 portraits of Olivier in the National Portrait Gallery inventory.

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