Music and Theatre

[Madame Albani [Dame Emma Albani Gye], celebrated Canadian operatic soprano.] Autograph Signature (‘Emma Albani Gye | 1883.’), written for display on front of envelope.

Author: 
Madame Albani [Dame Emma Albani Gye; Madame Albani; born Marie-Louise-Emma-Cécile Lajeunesse] (1847-1930), celebrated Canadian operatic soprano
albani
Publication details: 
1883; no place.
£28.00
albani

Clearly given in response to an autograph collector, and written for display on front panel of envelope. Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 cm. In good condition, lightly aged. Horizontal crease along bottom not affecting signature, which reads ‘Emma Albani Gye | 1883.’ In 1883, after several years of enormous success in Europe, Albani returned to Canada to give a series of recitals. Thousands turned out to greet her arrival in Montreal.

[Luigi Montesanto, Italian baritone opera singer.] Autograph Signature (‘Luigi Montesanto’) to part of printed English libretto to Leoncavallo’s ‘Pagliacci’.

Author: 
Luigi Montesanto (1887-1954), Italian baritone opera singer
Luigi
Publication details: 
Dated by Montesanto to 1936. [His Master’s Voice, London.]
£40.00
Luigi

At top right-hand corner of part of printed English libretto to Leoncavallo’s ‘Pagliacci’. Dimensions: 13.5 x 17.5 cm. Sloping upwards towards the corner, and underlined: ‘Luigi Montesanto | 1936’. On shiny art paper and in fair condition, lightly creased and a little dog-eared at the corner of the signature. The cutting is headed: ‘Prologue (Pagliacci) ... ... ... ... Leoncavallo | LUGI MONTESANTO | PROLOGUE’, with thirty-two lines of English translation.

[‘Theatre Royal Darwar’, 1858: British amusements during the Indian Mutiny.] Seven items relating to the ‘Corps Dramatique’ of ‘Mrs. Comfit’: four handbills and three manuscript items, incl.2 poems and drawing of castigating Englishwoman. See Image.

Author: 
‘Theatre Royal Darwar’, ‘Opera Comique d’Arwar’, ‘Mrs. Comfit & Co’ [Dharwar, Bombay Presidency, India [now Dharwad, Karnataka]; Indian Mutiny; the Raj; East India Company; British India]
darwar
Publication details: 
Three of the eight items dated to 1858, and with the same date on one of the mounts; all from Dharwar, Bombay Presidency, India [now Dharwad, Karnataka].
£750.00
darwar

An interesting and evocative collection of ephemeral material, casting light on the social activities and entertainments of the British in India in the last months of the Indian Mutiny, also the year of the dissolution of the East India Company. No other record of this amateur ‘Corps Dramatique’, or of its conductor ‘Mrs. Comfit’, has been discovered.

[Sheena Tennant, Scottish composer and Margot Asquith's niece.] Two pieces of printed sheet music: her piano accompaniments of 'An Irish Cradle Song', 'From Poems by W. B. Yeats'; and Yeats's 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree'.

Author: 
Sheena Lilian Grant Tennant (1883-1974, later Kendall), daughter of James Tennant (1852-1933) of Fairlieburne, Fairlie, Ayrshire, Scotland, industrialist and cousin of Margot Asquith [W. B. Yeats]
Sheena
Publication details: 
Both items published by The Frederick Harris Company, London. 'An Irish Cradle Song' from 85 Newman Street, Oxford Street, W. [1914.] 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree' from 40 Berners Street, London, W1. [1917]
£350.00
Sheena

Both items in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Excessively scarce, with COPAC only listing one copy (at the British Library) of both items. ONE: 'An Irish Cradle Song. Words by W. B. Yeats. From Poems by W. B. Yeats, published by T. Fisher Unwin'. [1914.] 5 + [1]pp., folio. Title page carries the gaelic motto: Goth yani me von gilli beg, | N heur ve thu more a creena. TWO: 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree. Words by W. B. Yeats'. [1917.] 5 + [1]pp., folio. Illustration of tree on bank of lake on front cover.

[The Arden Shakespeare; Printed Prospectus] Prospectus for the first published volumes of The Arden Shakespeare

Author: 
[The Arden Shakespeare; Prospectus]
Publication details: 
Methuen and Co., 36 Essex Street: Strand, London, [1899]
£90.00

Four pages, unbound, somewhat grubby and dusted, small closed tear affecting all pages but not interfering with the text. See image. Page 1 (Title of series, editor, list of volumes ready (5); Hamlet, Romeo, Lear, Julius Caesar), and in preparation (9); Page [2] Note on the aim of this edition [...] to meet the requirements of three classes of readers [...]; Page [3] Press Opinions of volumes published; Page [4] Specimen page from Hamlet. No other copy found but no doubt there's one tucked away somewhere.

[John Rich; theatre; Beggars' Opera] Signature with some unexplained text. See image.

Author: 
John Rich (1692–1761), important director and theatre manager in 18th-century London.
Rich
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£450.00
Rich

Paper, 18 x 4cm, laid down on paper, 15 x 24cm, grubby, Signature of John Rich with note and a title[?], as follows: Mrs Rich's Ground | Mr Linley | 5 Guineas for Fülling | Jn. Rich. No illumination from Google. John Rich's signature and autograph apparently hen's teeth. Perhaps Rich is best remembered for the success of John Gay's Beggar's Opera and the 'invention' of Pantomime..

[Ivor Novello] Bold Autograph Signature All good wishes | Ivor Novello.

Author: 
Ivor Novello [born David Ivor Davies] (1893-1951), Welsh composer, playwright and actor.
Novello
Publication details: 
No place or date
£28.00
Novello

Page, 20 x 15.5cm, extracted from Autograph Album, one rough edge (extraction process), very good condition. See image.

[R.A.F. Hospital, Aden; Variety Concert; printed programme] Programme and related photographs. In envelope.

Author: 
[R.A.F. Hospital, Aden; Variety Concert]
Aden
Aden2
Publication details: 
Headquarters N.A.A.F.I. Barrack Hill [...] October 6th to October 10th 1941
£180.00
Aden
Aden2

Programme, 4pp., worn on fold marks but complete, ow good condition, R.A.F. Hospital, Aden. | present the | Aeronuts | in a | Variety Concert | to be held in | Headquarters N.A.F.I. Barrack Hill on [dates given above] | Commencing at 8.30 p.m. | By kind permission of | Air Vice Marshal F.G.D. Hards [Commanding][...]. The programme includes Musical Selections (handwritten list present), Haw Haw's Happy Hour, The Band (handwritten list present), Bare Imagination, Lightning Sketches, etc, etc. WITH names of performers.

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Family] Christmas Card comprising Family Photograph, Autograph Note Signed by Mary Lee and inscription to Mark Bonham-Carter To Mark - Aye, Mary Lee and Doug

Author: 
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Family
Fairbanks
Publication details: 
For Christmas and 1951 [front page of card]
£165.00
Fairbanks

Christmas (and New Year) Card, c.14 x 11cm, bifolium, very good condtion. See image. With envelope probably addressed by Fairbanks himself. Internally, on left, there's a note by Mary Lee apologising for the card's lateness: Dear Mark- Just found this in a book I was reading - I'm sorry it didn't arrive at a more appropriate season! So Happy Easter! We will be here by May 1, and look forward to seeing you again. | Affectionately, | Mary Lee. Opposite page.

[ Scott & Whaley; music hall duo ] Photograph inscribed Yours sincerely | [Signed?] Scott & Whaley in Cuthbert's hand, and signed individually over their images, Pussyfoot and Cuthbert.

Author: 
Pussyfoot and Cuthbert (Scott & Whaley), African-American music hall and radio comedians.
Pussyfoot
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£45.00
Pussyfoot

14 x 13.5cm, laid down on slightly larger leaf extracted from an Autograph Album, very good condition. Pussyfoot is at the piano, blacked up (with thick whitened lips!).See image/

[ Adolphe Abrahams; medic ] Autograph Letter Signed Adolphe Abrahams to Walter James MacQueen-Pope (Popie), theatre historian.

Author: 
Adolphe Abrahams [Sir Adolphe Abrahams (1883–1967), medical doctor, considered to be the founder of British sports science, brother of Harold Abrahams.]
Publication details: 
[Printed heading] Sir Adolphe Abrahams, 97 Harley Street, W/1., 14 Nov. 1959.
£220.00

Two pages, obl.12mo, good condition, small neat hand. Text: Your recent sympathetic reference to Leslie Stuart encourages me once more to be reminiscent - nostalgically. | I claim to know all he wrote - a bold assertion this, considering his output. I wonder how many know that an early song, perhaps his first, and quite different from all others was the comic 'The dandy-coloured coon' [quotes the name sequence from the song] | Sweetheart May - was an early one in my opinion (Vesta Tilley sang this). Then Little Dolly Daydream, Soldiers of the Queen - perhaps about 1895.

[ Lauri Wylie; playwright; Dinner for One; Der 90. Geburtstag ] Three Typed Letters Signed Lauri (2) and L. (1) AND one Autograph Letter Signed Lauri | LAURI WYLIE to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope, about theatre topics including his own writing.

Author: 
Lauri Wylie [Lauri Wylie (1880 – 1951), originally Maurice Laurence Samuelson Metzenberg, British actor and author, inc. the play Dinner for One (most frequently repeated TV programme ever).]
Publication details: 
All from Two Courtenay Towers | Hove 3, 13, 20, 27 August 1950 (typed letters) and 22 January 1951 (Holograph).
£250.00

Total 4pp., 4to, one with corner torn off, all a little battered but texts clear and complete. Letter One: He asks if anything can be done with [his] book, and discusses his re-writing another straight play. They don't seem to be able to stop me. I roughed it out during the war but have now done a lot to it. I think it's a winner! So does every one else who writes plays [further lighthearted comment on writing plays]. He asks finally whether Macqueen-Pope has any new books coming on. They seem to go down big.

[ Gale Pedrick; ENSA ] Four substantial Typed Letters Signed Gale [Pedrick] to theatre historian, W. Macqueen Pope known as Popie, in charge of publicity for ENSA [Entertainments National Service Association]. WITH: multiple ideas (typescripts).

Author: 
Gale Pedrick [ Frank Gale Pedrick-Harvey (1906–1970), author, journalist, scriptwriter, and broadcaster.]
Publication details: 
All 1941 (May, June and September). Letters headed 11th Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment, Seaton Barracks, Crownhill, Plymouth~From the papers of W. J. MacQueen-Pope, Theatre Historian, MacQueen-Pope, who was in charge of publicity at Drury Lane for 21 years, including four years running publicity for the whole of ENSA, which had its headquarters in the building. Four Typed Letters Signed Gale, 5pp. 4to, with sprinkling of additions in MS, fold marks, very good condition. WITH; typescript torrents of ideas, 10pp., 4to, most in very good condition (one torn and crumpled), sent as attachments to the letters. LETTER ONE: He says his list of ideas is self-explanatory but he then lists points around the titles Ideas, Sketches, Lyrics Films, Job, anticipating his going to go away 'in the field'. ATTACHED: Typescript, 5pp., 4to, in which he gives explications of his ideas for shows, titles: 1. 48 Hours Leave; 2. E.N.S.A. was at Waterloo; 3. Jack of All Trades; 4. Compere - the Duke [Wellington etc]; 5. Hearts of Oak [patriotic songs]; 6. 10 minute features 7. Sweethearts and Wives - May they Never Meet; 8. I Could a Tail Unfold; Individual items (weekly letters, Counterparts in the past, Entertainers at the Piano. LETTER TWO: Basically concerning how slowly things are going because of bureaucracy and issues affecting the organisation. ATTACHED: a song by him, apparently unpublished, When I get Back to Civvy-Street Again AND ideas for a feature/story. LETTER THREE: His movements, involvement with the Tavistock War Weapons Week (included looking after an aged Cyril Maude), and other bits and pieces. LETTER FOUR: He is pleased at news about his idea ENSA was at Waterloo and will get on with it, asking for Popie's ideas. He has attached a four-page list of a few of the 'possibles' - you know, the songs and personalities of Trades, to be compered by a leading person, asking for suggestions of names for comperes. His list includes Cooks and Waiters (Waitresses added in his hand), Shopgirl, Seafarer, Farmers, Sport, Nurses, etc. etc. He adds anothe suggestion for four programmes about (1) Blondes; (2) Red-Heads; (3) Brunettes; (4) Bald. MacQueen-Pope was in charge of publicity at Drury Lane for 21 years, including four years running publicity for the whole of ENSA, which had its headquarters in the building. This small archive also includes; Suggestions for Settings for ENSA Half Hour, 3pp., 4to, carbon. 9.9.41, devised by W. MacQueen-Pope; Suggestions for ENSA through the Ages, typescript, carbon, one page 4to; Norman Lee, 'Suggestions for| E.N.S.A. Half Hour (Title to be Arranged)', outline for a broadcast, typescript, two pages, with covering typed note. Two related scarps.~600~TYPESCRIPT THEATRE ENTERTAINMENT DRURY LANE ENSA~ ~0~SF41~ ~ ~ ~ ~
£300.00

[ Arthur Murphy, Irish writer ] Autograph Instruction Signed to Cadell Esq [publishers].

Author: 
Arthur Murphy, Barrister and Author [(1727–1805), Irish writer.
Murphy
Publication details: 
Lincoln's Inn, 21 July 1788.
£500.00
Murphy

Paper, 15 x 9cm, trimmed with minimal loss of text, some staining, text clear and legible. Pay to Lady Montfort's Bearer the sum of Eighy seven Shillings & charge the same to | Your Humble Servt. | Arthur Murphy. A bold and impressive signature. Note: A, He studied at Jesuit run Saint-Omer, France, and was a gifted student of the Latin and Greek classics. He worked as an actor in the theatre, became a barrister, a journalist and finally a (not very original) playwright. He edited Gray's Inn Journal between 1752 and 1754.

[Angna Enters, American dancer, painter, author.] Sketch of dance costume in pencil and watercolour, captioned 'Fleur du Mal (Proust Sequence)', signed 'Angna Enters '56'. In envelope addressed by her to theatre historian W. J. MacQueen-Pope.

Author: 
Angna Enters [Anita Enters] (1907-1989), American painter, writer, dancer and mime, partner of Michio Ito, wife of Louis Kalonyme [Louis Kantor] [W. J. MacQueen-Pope, theatre historian]
Angr
Publication details: 
Signed and dated to 1957. Envelope with London postmark dated 18 January 1957 and her embossed address: 35 West 57th Street, New York.
£200.00
Angr

Enters exhibited her artistic work - including many sketches of her own costume designs - widely in the United States and Europe, and her work is held by several museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The present item is an attractive impressionistic sketch, in grey and black pencil, with watercolour wash in pink, light red and grey, showing a dancer with arms outstretched and heavy costume with full sleeves and train. Captioned by Enters at bottom left: 'Fleur du Mal (Proust Sequence)'. Signed at bottom left: 'Angna Enters '56'. On 23 x 15.5 cm laid paper.

[John Philip Kemble, actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.] Autograph Memorandum, signed 'J. Kemble.', regarding the 'Caducean Trident' of Albion, with an ink drawing of the same (a dragon with intertwining serpents).

Author: 
John Philip Kemble (1757-1823), distinguished actor and manager of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, brother of Sarah Siddons and Charles Kemble
Publication details: 
No place or date.
£180.00

The text is on one side of a 13 x 16 cm piece of laid watermarked paper. The signature 'J. Kemble' is at bottom left, in slightly-darker ink than the fifteen lines of text. Lightly aged and with short closed tears at edges of two folds. Slight traces of brown-paper mount at top corners on reverse, which carries a capable ink drawing of 'the Caducean Trident' mentioned in the text: a dragon with two sets of wings, body stiff as a rod, encircled by two snakes.

[Dudley Moore, comedian and jazz musician, interviewed by Les Tomkins for 'Crescendo'.] Typescript of 'The Serious Side of Dudley Moore', with second part ('More Music and Moore'), gig review, and carbon of Tomkins letter to editor Victor Graham.

Author: 
Dudley Moore, comedian and musician, half of the 'Pete and Dud' duo with Peter Cook; Les Tomkins, Features Editor of the jazz music magazine 'Crescendo'
Publication details: 
The interview appeared in the July and August 1966 numbers of 'Crescendo' magazine [London].
£50.00

The interview was published in two numbers of 'Crescendo' ('The world's most authoritative music magazine', founded 1962). The first part, retitled 'Music & Moore | Les Tomkins interviews “The Genuine Dud”' – was the leading article (pp.18-19) of the July 1966 number of ), with Moore featuring on the cover. The second part was published in the following number, August 1966, pp.18-19 and 25. Four items, all in good condition, with light aging.

[Duke Ellington interviewed in 1964.] Typescript of Les Tomkins 'Crescendo' interview 'That's where the tailoring comes in', with 'The Duke presents a bouquet to our audiences' and 'Duke Ellington's [unpublished] comments on Crescendo'.

Author: 
Duke Ellington [Edward Kennedy Ellington] (1899-1974), jazz musician, composer, band leader and pianist; Les Tomkins, Features Editor of the jazz music magazine 'Crescendo'
Publication details: 
The interview appeared in the April 1964 number of 'Crescendo' magazine [London].
£250.00

The interview – retitled 'Duke looks back – and forward | in an interview with Les Tompkins' – features on pp.6-7 of the April 1964 number of 'Crescendo'. (Sammy Davis Jr features on the cover, with the announcement 'NOT A WORD ABOUT THE BEATLES!') Three items, the typescript of the interview and two accompanying pieces (one not used). All three in good condition, lightly aged. ONE: Carbon typescript, titled 'That's where the tailoring comes in | Duke Ellington talks to Les Tomkins'. 6pp, 4to. On six leaves, stapled together at a corner.

[Jenny Lind, the 'Swedish Nightingale', opera singer.] Autograph Letter in third person, as 'Mme. Goldschmidt', thanking Lady Cullum for flowers 'which certainly do “enliven” her drawing room at the Hotel'.

Author: 
Jenny Lind [Johanna Maria Lind], 'the Swedish Nightingale] (1820-1887), opera singer, wife of Otto Goldschmidt [Lady Ann Cullum (1807-1875), wife of Sir Thomas Gery Cullum (1777-1855) of Hardwick]
Publication details: 
'Bury St. Edmunds. | Royal Hotel. | Thusday. April 6th. [no year]'.
£100.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf, one corner of which has been slightly damaged by the opening of the wafer. Folded twice. The letter begins: 'Mme. Goldschmidt presents her best Compliments to Lady Cullum and begs to express her sincere thanks for the most beautiful flowers she received this morning from Lady Cullum and which certainly do “enliven” her drawing room at the Hotel'.

[Christopher Fry, 1930s pantomime (author's first book?) by the writer of 'The Lady's Not for Burning'.] Printed play text: 'The Sleeping Beauty | A Pantomime | by | Christopher Fry.'

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright and poet, noted for his verse dramas, author of 'The Lady's Not for Burning'
Publication details: 
Printers' slug on title-page: 'Courier Co., Ltd., Tun. Wells.' [Tunbridge Wells, 1934.]
£250.00

Possibly the author's first book (see below), from the Christopher Fry papers (despite the ownership inscription). 54pp, 12mo. Stapled into green printed wraps (title and words '(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)'). Tiny ownership signature in initials ('R. G.') in top right-hand corner of title-page. No details of publication or date, other than the printers' slug at bottom left of title-page.

[Christopher Fry, dramatist and poet.] "Thor with Angels" Copy of the 'Acting Edition for the Festival of the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral 1948', with anonymous manuscript copy letter, in two hands, of a rebuttal of a critical review in The Times.

Author: 
Christopher Fry (1907-2005), playwright and poet, noted for his verse dramas, author of 'The Lady's Not for Burning'
Publication details: 
Copy Letter dated 21 June 1948; no place. Play: [Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.] Canterbury: H. J. Goulden, Ltd. [1948.]
£180.00

From the Christopher Fry papers. PLAY: [1] + 47pp, 12mo. Stapled into buff wraps printed in red, including the statement that it is the 'Friends of Canterbury Cathedral Edition'. In fair condition, lightly aged, in worn wraps, with a trace of rust to staples. This edition of the play (the first?) is uncommon: the only copies on OCLC WorldCat at the British Library and University of British Columbia. COPY LETTER: 4pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Written out in two hands, Recipient not named. With salutation 'Dear Sir,' and valediction 'I am | Yrs truly,'.

[ The Shakespeare Memorial Endowment Fund. ] Five items: circular, signed by H. C. Lacey, Organising Secretary, publicity booklet, notice,'Donation & Subscription Form', 'Associate's Card' of C. W. Townsend.

Author: 
The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Endowment Fund; H. C. Lacey, Organising Secretary [ Stratford-upon-Avon; Cecil William Townsend, Shakespearian actor ]
Publication details: 
Memorial Endowment Fund [ Shakespeare Memorial Theatre], Stratford-upon-Avon. 1923.
£80.00

Five items, in good condition, lightly aged and worn. From the papers of C. W. Townsend, who acted in six productions at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in 1922. No other copies of any of the items located, either at the Folger, on COPAC, or on OCLC WorldCat. ONE: Typed Circular Letter, with genuine signature of 'H C Lacey'. on letterhead, in red and black ink with Shakespeare's , of 'Shakespeare Memorial Theatre | Stratford-upon-Avon | Endowment Fund.' 1 November 1923. 1p., 8vo. Addressed to 'Dear Madam'. 32 lines of text.

[ The London College of Educational Dance Training (later the London College of Dance). ] Printed prospectus from 1946, with one letter from the principal Grace Cone, and four from vice-principal Anita Heyworth, to Phrosso Pfister.

Author: 
[ The London College of Dance [ The London College of Educational Dance Training ]; Grace Cone; Anita Heyworth; Phrosso Pfister (1922-2013) ]
Publication details: 
The London College of Educational Dance Training, The Lodge [ Rawdon Hall ], Holyport, near Maidenhead, Berkshire. 1944, 1945 and 1946.
£150.00

The London College of Educational Dance Training opened at Rawdon Hall in 1944, merged with Middlesex University in 1994, and shut in 2003. Grace Cone, the first principal, retired in 1966, and was replaced by her vice-principal Anita Heyworth. Heyworth retired in 1973 and was replaced by Phrosso Pfister. Pfister had become a student at the college in 1945, following war service with the SOE in Egypt and Italy, and had become a staff member in 1949. The present collection of five items is from Pfister's papers.

[ 'Madame Delysia' entertains the British troops in the Middle East. ] Duplicate copy of Autograph Letter Signed by Sir John Pollock, countersigned by her, giving conditions for her use of 'Mlle Fifi' and 'Darling'. With Typed Letter Signed from her.

Author: 
'Madame Delysia' [ 'Alice Delysia'; 'Elise Delisia' ], stage name of Alice Henriette Lapize (1889-1979), French entertainer; Sir John Pollock [ Sir Frederick John Pollock ] (1878-1963), author
Publication details: 
Pocock's letter from 173 Cranmer Court, Chelsea, London, 3 March 1941. Delysia's letter from 54 Buckingham Court, Kensington Park Road, London, 7 March 1941.
£150.00

Both C. B. Cochran, who promoted her career, and Noel Coward, who wrote 'Poor Little Rich Girl' for her, wrote highly of Delysia and her work. Three items, in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. All three in an envelope addressed to Pollock and docketed by him 'Delysia (tour) Contract March 1941'. ONE: Typed Letter Signed from 'Alice Delysia' to Pollock. From her London address, 7 March 1941. 1p., 12mo. She writes that she agrees with his letter and has signed the copy (Item Two below).

[ Alberto Randegger, composer. ] Autograph Note Signed to 'Miss Elphick'.

Author: 
Alberto Randegger (1832-1911), Italian composer who from 1854 lived in England.
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 10 Lower Seymour Street, Portman Square, W. [ London ]. 16 July 1891.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Miss Elphick | I shall be happy to see you on Wednesday the 22nd. inst at 10.45 a.m. | With kind regards | yours truly | Alberto Randegger'.

[ Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, playwright. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Arthur W. Pinero') to the actor-manager Arthur Cecil Blunt, explaining that he cannot dramatize the novel of 'Mr. Wigram'.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934), playwright [ Arthur Cecil [ Arthur Cecil Blunt (1843-1896), actor-manager and playwright ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 64 St John's Wood Road, NW [ London ]. 26 May 1887.
£60.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'Arthur C. Blunt, Esq', with salutation to 'My dear Cecil'. With regard to 'Mr. Wigram's letter' he writes that he 'would rather not dramatize a novel, and did I feel an inclination to do so I don't think I am at all a good man for the work'. He nevertheless asks the recipient to inform Wigram that he is 'complimented by his and Lord Desart's proposal'. The postscript is mildly amusing: 'P.S. I hope I am not liable to misconstruction in enquiring after your Housemaid's Knee'.

[ A. J. Hall and Dr. James Stewart. ] Autograph Note Signed [ to Dr James Stewart ] by the Irish singer A. J. Hall, with biographical 'Memo. by Dr. James Stewart ("Sheamus Rua")'.

Author: 
A. J. Hall, Irish singer [ Dr James Stewart ('Sheamus Rua') of the Irish Medical Schools' and Graduates' Association ]
Publication details: 
Note on letterhead of the Junior Athenaeum Club, 116 Piccadilly [ London ]. 18 November [ circa 1898 ]. Stewart's memorandum undated.
£60.00

The note and memo are on a 12mo bifolium. In good condition, lightly-aged. The letter is signed 'A. J. Hall' and addressed to 'My dear Doctor'. He explains that he would gladly visit him, 'if at liberty', but that he is 'at Wolverhampton that night with Madame Albani'. The biographical note, presumably in Stewart's autograph, is on the reverse of the second leaf of the bifolium, beneath the following, in red ink: 'Memo. by Dr. James Stewart ("Sheamus Rua") Hon. Secy.

[ George Grossmith, Victorian humourist. ] Dictated Letter, Signed ('Geo: Grossmith') with autograph postscript, to 'George R, &c.' [George R. Sims], describing their first meeting, and commenting warmly on their thirty-eight years of friendship.

Author: 
George Grossmith (1847-1912), humourist, author, actor and singer [ George R. Sims (1847-1922), journalist and bon vivant ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 55 Russell Square, W.C. [ London ] 22 June 1908.
£80.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Aged and stained, with creasing along one edge. A wonderful letter, linking two notable figures in late-Victorian society, beginning: 'Do I remember it? how can I ever forget it, considering that we introduced ourselves to each other, without any introduction; & that casual acquaintanceship has developed into a friendship (without a discordant note) which has lasted for about 38 years.' Regarding their first meeting he writes: 'I was not subpoenaed as a short hand writer, as no such functionary was engaged at Bow St.

[ Dame Marie Tempest, actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mary') to 'My dear Cyril', discussing his 'amusing and witty play' and the one in which she is acting.

Author: 
Dame Marie Tempest [ Mary Susan Etherington ] (1864-1942), English singer and actress ('the queen of her profession')
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'Miss Marie Tempest'. 'Monday' [ no date ].
£35.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with slight loss to one corner and creasing to another. Strengthened on reverse with a small piece of tape. Letterhead in red, with Tempest writing in green ink. She writes warmly: 'I've read your Play, and I think it charming up to the point of the two people who are crooks! It suffers from the same thing that our present Play suffers from. Too sudden a jump!' She invites him to go and see the play, 'and you will gather what I mean'. She ends by describing his play as 'amusing and witty'.

[ Rev. Francis William Galpin, musicologist. ] Autograph Card Signed and Autograph Letter Signed (both 'F. W. Galpin') to the author Austin Dobson, regarding the Broad Oak in Hatfield Forest.

Author: 
Francis William Galpin (1858-1945), Church of England cleric and musicologist and collector of musical instruments [ Henry Austin Dobson (1840-1921), English author ]
Publication details: 
The card dated 30 August 1904 [ no place ]. The letter addressed from Hatfield Vicarage, Harlow [ Essex ]; 7 May 1906.
£56.00

Both items in good condition, with light signs of age. The card, with postmarks, is addressed to 'Austin Dobson Esq | 75 Eaton Rise | Ealing | W.' The letter is also to Dobson, but is only addressed 'Dear Sir'. In the card he reports that 'The old oak in the forest is now in ruins and quite dead. It has been surrounded with a railing and a young tree planted by its side.' He offers to send a photograph, and asks for 'anthing about my parish which you may publish'.

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