[Arthur Weigall, Egyptologist.] Autograph Letter Signed to F. Eyles regarding his work as set designer for London revues, referring to Gertie Millar, Fay Compton, Robert Hale, Phyllis Monkman, Raymond Rôze, King of the Belgians, President Roosevelt.

Author: 
Arthur Weigall [Arthur Edward Pearse Brome Weigall] (1880-1934), Egyptologist who succeeded Howard Carter at Luxor as Chief Inspector of Antiquities for Upper Egypt, set designer for the London stage
Publication details: 
'The Studio | 117. Fulham Rd.' [London.] 22 March [1916].
£180.00
SKU: 22001

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once. With envelope addressed to 'F. Eyles Esq. | 38 Bedford Place, | Russell Square, | WC'. Year of letter added in pencil. Signed 'Arthur Weigall'. Having made his name in Luxor as an Egyptologist, Weigall was a successful set-designer for the London revues during the First World War, and the present item concerns a magazine article regarding this work. Weigall does not think it is necessary for Eyles 'to bother the art editor to come to my studio', and gives a list 'to give him sufficient idea of what the illustrations would be likely to be'. The list of photographs ('all rather striking') includes: 'Photos of Fay Compton, Robert Hale, & other stars in the costumes designed by me', 'My designs for Raymond Roze's opera, produced this week at the Coliseum' (i.e. 'Arabesque' by Raymond Rôze (1875-1920)), a photograph of 'the Sphinx scene at the Alhambra', and another of 'Phyllis Markman as Cleopatra in that scene', a photograph of Gertie Millar in 'the Bric-a-brac scene', and ends with 'My design for the new Alhambra scene (if the article appears after production at the end of April)'. The letter concludes: 'As regards the snapshots of myself, I could give you photos of myself & the King of the Belgians, taken by the Queen, or one walking with President Roosevelt, or at great discoveries of Pharaohs' tombs in Egypt'. For more information on Weigall, see Julie Hankey, 'Passion for Egypt: Arthur Weigall, Tutankhamun and the “Curse of the Pharaohs”' (2007).