Music and Theatre

Autograph letter signed to unknown (part of name torn off)

Author: 
Thomas Welsh
Publication details: 
07/02/24
£100.00

English actor, vocalist and composer (1781-1848). On epage, 4to, creased and chipped with loss only of part of correspondent's name (which ends "...uin"). A significant letter about the Argyll Rooms, the major musical venue of its time. Letter as follows: "If the Licence formerly held by Col. Greville can thus [?] the interest of his family be obtained for the purpose of acting French plays at the Argyle Rooms.

Signature only

Author: 
Jenny Lind
Publication details: 
no date
£35.00

Bold signature on paper cut to 4" x 1", some staining marginally affecting clarity.

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Henry Arthur Jones
Publication details: 
4 July 1927, with letterhead 19 Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead.
£20.00

English dramatist (1851-1929). One page, 12mo. "Life won't bear looking at, will it; from / "Whitewashing Julia" / by / Henry Arthur Jones". Jones's comedy was printed by the Chiswick Press in 1903. Negligible rust-staining from paperclips in one margin.

Autograph letters signed (x 2) and one autograph note signed to Mary H. Folkard and the draft of one of her replies,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
circa 1878.
£45.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). Note, undated, Studio, 524 Oxford Street, Marble Arch, 2 pp, 12mo, somewhat grubby. He suggests a time for him to see her the following day. Letter, "Friday" (no date), on letterhead of the Olympic Theatre, 2 pp, 12mo. "Would you mind letting me hear your voice. I think I could offer you Florette in the "Orphans" if you felt that kind of part, - perhaps you would kindly give me a call tomorrow Saturday at about 12, at the Theatre." Letter, 5 September 1878, on letterhead of the Olympic Theatre, 2 pp, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph.

Autograph notes signed (x 2) to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Henry Arthur Jones
Publication details: 
one dated 1896.
£50.00

English dramatist (1851-1929). The first, one page, 12mo, 2 December 1896, with letterhead Townshend House, North Gate, Regents Park. "If Macmillans have no objection I am quite willing for you to include Michael and His Lost Angel in your volume of plays. Will you see or write them?" The second, no date, Townshend House, Regent's Park, on deleted letterhead of the Queen's Hotel, Southsea, one page, 12mo. "I'll see Macmillan's when I am in town and will write you further - meantime I suppose you won't be publishing". Two items,

Autograph note signed to Mrs [?] Lewis,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
21 June 1890, no place.
£12.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). One page, on monogrammed paper. "Dear Mrs. Lewis. / I shall be delighted to accept your kind invitation for the 4th July. / Sincerely yours / Henry Neville". Heavily creased and with slight tear to one edge, and with traces of paper and glue on reverse of blank second leaf.

Autograph notes signed (x 5).

Author: 
Edward Willard
Publication details: 
1903-1914.
£40.00

English actor (1853-1915), admired for his melodramatic villains. The first, to Mr Philip, 14 December 1903, St. James's Theatre, one page, 12mo. "Herewith a cheque for one guinea in exchange for the dinner ticket you sent me a week or so since". The other three all written to Allan Gomme in 1914, with the letterhead 29 St. James's Street. The first of these, March 12, one page, 12mo. "I shall have great pleasure in attending the Inauguration Ceremony of the Burbage Memorial on Monday next, and the luncheon afterwards". The second, March 13, one page 12mo.

Autograph letter signed to [?] Farquhar,

Author: 
John Billington
Publication details: 
14 April 1895, 34 Burghley Road, Highgate Road.
£15.00

English actor (1830-1904). One page, 12mo. "My dear Farquhar / Quite right! I had already written to Mr. Lumley on the subject & expect him to Rehearsal on Monday. Hope Coventry's trip has done him good."

Typed letter signed and one autograph letter signed to L. E. Berman,

Author: 
Ivor Brown
Publication details: 
1935 and 1942.
£25.00

Theatre critic (1891-1974). The first, one page, 12mo, with letterhead of the Garrick Club, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. "This comes of believing what you are told by Past Presidents of the O. U. D. C. "Julius Caesar" might shuffle through as history, but you have one on Romeo." The second, 6 October 1942, on letterhead of The Observer, one page, 8vo, in stamped typed envelope. "Many thanks for your letter. I was relying on Parker's 'Who's Who in the Theatre' which made no mention of 'Queen Mary'. I shall tell him to get this right.

Autograph note signed and one typed letter signed to Dennis Eadie,

Author: 
George Pleydell Bancroft
Publication details: 
12 and 31 May 1926.
£15.00

Clerk of Assize for the Midland Circuit (1868-1956), son of the actor Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926) and the actress Marie Effie Wilton (1839-1921). The letter, 12 May 1926, one page, 8vo, on mourning paper, with embossment White Lodge, Westgate-on-sea. "Pray excuse a typewritten letter. / To certain specified "comrades of the Stage, members of the Garrick Club, in grateful remembrance of their friendship", my father by his Will bequeathes a souvenir.

Autograph letter signed to the "Lord Bishop of Winchester"

Author: 
Henry Taylor
Publication details: 
18/07/80
£150.00

Poet and playwright (1800-1886). 8 (eight) pages, 8vo. He writes concerning a local (Bournemouth) religious controversy and "lay advowsons", giving considerable detail, expressing opinions, and requesting the Archbishop's opinion.

Photograph signed,

Author: 
J. Alexander
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£35.00

Opera singer. Photograph by James Dickinson of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 5¼ inches by 3¾, of a pensive Alexander dressed in the costume of a knight, wearing a patently false beard and moustache, seated with his head resting on his right hand, and holding a harp against his left leg. Card mount stamped in silver "Jas. Dickinson, / [Crest] / The City Galleries, / Newcastle on Tyne." The reverse carries an advertisement for Dickinson ("PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST"), and is inscribed "Yours Faithfully, J.

Autograph letters signed (x 2).

Author: 
John Hare [Fairs]
Publication details: 
1895 and 1903.
£30.00

English actor-manager (1844-1921), knighted in 1907. The first, to [?] Burgess, 25 November 1895, on letterhead of the Hôtel Métropole, 2 pp, 8vo. He thanks him for a letter which "my wife & I prize very highly", and says he is sorry that his correspondent will not be able to be present. The second, to "Sir Philip", 27 November 1903, with letterhead 75 Upper Berkeley Street, Portman Square, one page, 8vo.

one autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
George Robey
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£15.00

English music-hall comedian (1869-1954). Fragment, 2¼ inches square, cut from letter. "yours / Geo. Robey". Mounted on a piece of paper, 12mo, docketed "Comedian / known as Prime Minister of Mirth / Made many successes in Pantomime / Invested as a Commander of the order of British Empire for his remarkable work in raising many thousand for war charities."

autograph note signed to [John] Cabourn,

Author: 
Henry Dana
Publication details: 
December 31 [no year], on letterhead of His Majesty's Theatre.
£20.00

2 pp, 8vo. "Would Friday evening next at say 9 o Clock Suit you to play off our heat. If not let me know when would be convenient to you and I will try and fit it in."

Photograph signed,

Author: 
J. Alexander
Publication details: 
no place or date.
£35.00

Opera singer. Full-length photograph by James Dickinson of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 5¼ inches by 3¾, of a dashing Dickinson dressed as a matador, left hand on hip and right hand resting on a sword. Mounted on grey card. The reverse carries an advertisement for Dickinson ("PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST"), and is inscribed "Yours Faithfully, J. Alexander / Character in Carmen / Moody-Manners Opera Co." In bad condition: faded, stained and worn.

Autograph note signed to Miss [?] Paget,

Author: 
Frank Robert Benson
Publication details: 
no date, 58 Ashley Gardens, Westminster.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1939), knighted in 1916. One page, 8vo. "Dear Miss Paget. / Of course I remember you. I will be delighted to see your protege. / Yours sincerely / F R Benson". Creasing to one corner, and traces of previous mounting on reverse.

Photograph signed,

Author: 
Hermann Vezin
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£20.00

Actor and teacher of elocution (1829-1910). Small publicity portrait of a stern-looking Vezin, glowering in an open-necked white shirt. Printed on thin art paper, 2¾ by 1¾ inches, with large white border, on which, "Yours truly / Hermann Vezin." Not in the best of condition: creased, grubby, and with tears to the borders.

Autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
J.B. Buckstone
Publication details: 
Tuesday (no date), T. R. Haymarket.
£50.00

English comic actor and dramatist (1802-79). 2 pp, 12mo. Concerning the staging of a new play. "Yates has the first & 2d acts complete - It must be in 4 parts / I am now on the 4th.: when can I have the sheets & illustrations of the entire romance?" Details of the first two acts follow. "When I get your work complete a very few days will complete me, - I leave town on the 20th of this month for a fortnight and am anxious to (indeed I must) finish before I start / Rodwell is composing "Jolly Rose" for Bedford to sing at Woods party." Somewhat grubby, with browning in the margins.

Photograph signed to unnamed recipient,

Author: 
Gertie Gitana (real name Gertrude Mary Ross née Astbury)
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£25.00

Music hall entertainer (1889-1957), famous for singing the song "Nellie Dean". Full-length photograph by Elite Portrait Co. Ltd of High Holborn and Kilburn, 5½ inches by 3¾, of a very young Gitana, with long hair and centre parting, in tiered broderie anglaise dress with sash at waist, looking determinedly to the left, while holding before her a white top hat. Inscribed "Yours sincerely / Gertie Gitana". Mounted on white card. Not in the best of condition: stained and dimpled.

Autograph note signed to J. P. Simpson,

Author: 
Henry James Byron
Publication details: 
26 October [no year], Globe Theatre, with letterhead of the Byron crest and motto.
£25.00

Dramatist and actor (1834-84). One page, 12mo. "My dear Simpson: / I am getting the dates of the performances and sums paid and in a day or two will call on you and fix up the affair." Traces of glue and paper to the blank reverse.

Autograph letter, third person, to the Editor of "The Advertiser".

Author: 
J.B. Buckstone.
Publication details: 
6 Brompton Square, 20 July 1847.
£50.00

Actor and dramatist (1802-1879). Three pages, 8vo, some marking but good condition. He asks for a mention of his Benefit. It is his last night at the Haymarket before he joins Madame Vestris at the Lyceum. He names the play, "The Beaux Startagem", adds that "Mr John Reeve son of the late celebrated comedian will also make his first appearance in Public in one of his father's characters, while Mr Buckstone will follow in Mr Planche's highly successful Drama of "The Jacobite".m He encloses cards (for entry?).

Typed letter signed to Mrs [?] Enthoven,

Author: 
Hugh Beaumont
Publication details: 
17 September 1943, on letterhead of H. M. Tennent Ltd.
£25.00

Theatre producer (1908-1973). "Thank you so much for your letter. I entirely appreciate your difficulties and I am most grateful to you. I hope that L. E. Berman can let me have the original manuscript as I should be most grateful. / I am sorry you have not received the photographs as promised and I will look into this immediately." Not in the best of condition: creased and grubby.

one autograph letter signed to Mary Folkard,

Author: 
Edward Rose
Publication details: 
5 March 1880, 4 Worcester Street.
£20.00

Dramatist (1849-1904). One page, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. "I am very much obliged for the ticket, and will certainly go. I am so glad you have got such a good chance, and I will "signify the same" (i.e. my gladness) "in the usual way".

Autograph note signed to Mr [?] Parnell,

Author: 
James Albery
Publication details: 
27 March 1871, Upper Richmond Road, Putney.
£20.00

English dramatist (1838-89). One page, 12mo, on mourning paper. "I am sorry I forgot the card. Did you get the stalls all right / In any way I can serve you / I am / Yours faithfully / J. Albery". Docketed in a small hand in ink. Minimal loss to one corner. Bearing traces of previous mounting.

Autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Frederick Henry Yates
Publication details: 
December 20 (no year), <?> or Adelphi Theatre.
£50.00

English comic actor (1795-1842) and manager of the Adelphi Theatre. 2 pp, 4to. Eccentric handwriting, of uncertain decipherment. "We must trouble you by return of Post to send us up the last tune but one & the finale to the Pantomime / Make Puck if you please come out of the Fairy Mounds tell Harlequin & Columbine the Chace is done. Then loves rewards and change to the last tune the Fairy Temple - Then dance & a short finale - one verse <?> & Chorus - / [...] / I hope all goes well with you. We are all alive - Let us have it by return of post".

Autograph letter signed to [Mary H.] Folkard,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
18 July 1907, London.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). 4 pp, 12mo. Interesting letter in which he declines a play. "Its an awful shame to have kept your mss. so long, but I think I told you, I was too deep in promises &c. to give immediate attention! / If domestic Drama were popular now, I should not hesitate to play yours, it is full of pure incident and effective situations, and the dialogue is clear and interesting. [...] In my opinion this is not big & bold enough for "Drama" and not "elegant" enough or adapted to "up to date" models. [...]" Somewhat grubby.

Autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
James Sheridan Knowles
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£25.00

Irish-born playwright (1784-1862). A cutting from a letter of irregular shape, 12mo, made by an autograph hunter. "Thank you my dear fellow. Tho' on the score of friendship I was quite well satisfied before as I am now / Yours ever / J. S. Knowles." Docketed on the otherwise blank reverse "The autograph of Mr. Sheridan Knowles, the author of the plays called "Virginius," William Tell, &c. &c.". -"

Autograph letter signed to [Mary H.] Tennyson,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
5 December 1907, with letterhead Crescent House, Queen's Crescent.
£25.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). "Dear Miss Tennyson, / "Reading a play" is very actable, and would suit an actor like Chas. Collett, & important & voluble, & there are several who would make a success of it. But I'm afraid I am not one of them. Sorry to have kept the MS. so long. [...] MS. [not present] returned herewith registered."

Autograph letter signed to Henri Weiss,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
Tuesday [no date], addressed c/o H. Sasson, 8 Ruskin Mansions, Club Gardens, West Kensington.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). Interesting letter exemplifying the importance of dentistry to the acting profession. 3 pp, 12mo, on mourning paper. "You know I've been away, on Tour with the "Lions" and after that, I took a jaunt to Tronville & Rouen, just returned with a broken tooth. - I've had to be patched up on tour, & have quite given up the idea of a good looking mouth. Any way I shall be glad if you will put a lower front tooth in. I will come to you to-morrow Wednesday afternoon about 3.30. in the hope you'll be free.

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