THEATRICAL

Autograph Letter Signed to Henry Robertson, Secretary, Covent Garden Theatre, together with draft of Robertson's reply.

Author: 
Alfred Bunn [THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE]
Publication details: 
T[heatre]. R[oyal]. D[rury] Lane | August 4th 1835'. With red wax Theatre Royal seal.
£180.00

Theatrical manager (1796?-1860) and poet, manager of Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres, 1833-48. One page, quarto. Good, but somewhat grubby on lightly-creased, discoloured paper. Reads 'My dear Sir | I do not remember at this moment any point, beyond those we discussed yesterday, that requires adjustment, except the return of £63-4-8 overpaid on the rent account up to July 5th. and the four weeks salaries to your watchmen & firemen from that day up to last Saturday, amounting to £27 - | The balance of the "Warwick Box" is still unpaid.' Signed 'A Bunn'.

Autograph Letter Signed to Lady Monckton.

Author: 
Henry Kemble
Publication details: 
Sunday 11th June 1887'; on Garrick Club letterhead.
£26.00

English comedian (1848-1907), grandson of the actor Charles Kemble. Two pages, 12mo. On grubby, spotted and stained paper. 'I was so sorry to have been prevented coming to you on Sunday last, and also that my absence from town has precluded the possibility of my leaving Cards. I hope I may be more fortunate another time.'

Autograph Letter Signed to 'T. Clark Junr. Esq.'

Author: 
James Sheridan Knowles
Publication details: 
Sheffield, 20th. May, | 1843.'
£25.00

English dramatist (1784-1862). One page, octavo. Ruckled, and with several closed tears. Reply to request for autograph. Reads 'Dear Sir, | Here it is. | Yours truly, | James Sheridan Knowles.'

Autograph Letter Signed to T[homas]. F[rederick]. Dillon Croker.

Author: 
Eliza Johnstone
Publication details: 
Tooles Theatre | Strand'. No date, but in envelope postmarked 15 July 1876.
£45.00

British actress (born c. 1836). In the 1881 census Johnstone features as a visitor in the house of the actor-manager John Laurence Toole (1830-1906). Three pages, 12mo. Good, though grubby and with a few stains. In envelope with penny red stamp and black wax seal, addressed to Croker at 9 Pelham Place, Brompton. 'I return your book my father having complied with your request | I can not tell you the great pleasure I received in looking over your lovely collection. It is so good it makes one almost envious.' Signed 'Eliza Johnstone'.

Autograph Letter Signed to 'My dear Friend'.

Author: 
Alfred Cecil Calmour
Publication details: 
Monday | 37 Sydney Street. | S.W.'
£35.00

English playwright and poet (died 1912). One page, 12mo. In good condition on discoloured paper. 'I'll look up Brandon - but I wished that you had read it to him. - It ritualizes a play so much. Properly cast the price should be a "money matter." But it must be properly cast. Can we meet? Because I want to know how I might progress. [& diverse possibilities]' Signed 'Alfred C. Calmour'.

Autograph Letter Signed to 'Mr James'.

Author: 
Charles Tyrwhitt Jones
Publication details: 
Undated, but on paper watermarked 1824; '44 L[owe]r Brook St'.
£25.00

Son of the English polititian, Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt Jones (1765-1811). One page, quarto. On mourning paper. Folded three times. Several closed tears and small creases, and with one stub hole at centre (not affecting text). 'Sir. | You will most particularly oblige me by sending me a Box for either Theatre this Evening as my Brother in Law Mr. Tollemache & myself are most anxious to be there. We shd. prefer Covent Garden.

Photograph with manuscript inscription (prob. not Guitry's hand) on reverse 'Pour <h?>r. Her [sic] Barman de la Passable <ebr.?>'.

Author: 
Sacha Guitry
Publication details: 
1939
£35.00

French actor and dramatist (1885-1957). Dimensions roughly 7 inches by 9 inches. In good condition though somewhat grubby, with 'SACHA GUITRY in 1939' in manuscript written in white ink on Guitry's collar. A striking head and shoulders portrait, shot from below out of doors, of Guitry staring intently ahead and to the left. He wears a white panama hat with black band, a patterned tie, dark shirt and grey jacket with specks. Gum marks from previous mounting around edges of reverse.

Letter Signed to 'E Moran Esqre | Globe Office'.

Author: 
John Kemble Chapman
Publication details: 
Saturday M[ornin]g' (no date); no place.
£45.00

English writer on the theatre. The Globe was a London newspaper, founded in 1803. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition: neatly folded and with one small hole to the first leaf of the bifoliate, affecting one letter of one word of text.

Autograph Note Signed to [Walter Sydney] Sichel.

Author: 
Arthur Cecil Blunt, actor
Publication details: 
4 December 1888; on card with letterhead of the Beefsteak Club, King William Street, Strand, W.C.
£25.00

English actor (1843-96) under the name 'Arthur Cecil'. 1 page, dimensions 3 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. In good condition though dusty. He thanks him for his kind note, and says that if he 'may keep my little contribution in reserve for a bit' he 'will certainly bear it in mind & shall hope to turn you out something before very long'. Signed 'Arthur C Blunt'.

Autograph Letter Signed to 'Sewell'.

Author: 
Ronald Harwood
Publication details: 
21 June 1974; on letterhead of the Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester.
£30.00

English playwright (born 1934). 1 page, 8vo. In good condition. He thanks his correspondent for 'your sweet first night telegram which was so much appreciated and so very welcome. | We have had our problems and crises but all seems now to be under control (touching wood, or any other object that protects the rash!) Please come and see it in London.' Signed 'R Harwood'.

Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Sir Francis Cowley Burnand
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£15.00

Editor of Punch (1836-1917), and co-author with Sir Arthur Sullivan of 'Cox and Box'. In good condition. On slip, 1 inch by 2 1/2, cut from letter. Signed 'F C Burnand'.

Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Charles Albert Fecther
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£15.00

English actor and dramatist (1824-79; DNB). On slip of paper, 1½ inches by 4 inches, probably cut from letter. Discoloration to two corners caused by mounting. Paper creased and with almost imperceptible closed tear. Florid and attractive signature. Neatly docketed in pencil on reverse.

Autograph Signature on fragment addressed to Frederick Ouvry.

Author: 
Charles Albert Fechter
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£25.00

Anglo-French actor best remembered for having presented Charles Dickens with the Swiss chalet he erected in the garden at Gadshill and in which he wrote Great Expectations. The recipient was a lawyer and antiquary. The signature is on a slip approximately two inches by four and a half, presumably part of a letter or envelope, and laid down on a piece of card. Miniscule loss to part of slip, but text unaffected. Inscribed 'Fred. Ouvry Esq. | Ch. Fechter', with the signature underlined and overlined by Fechter.

typed letter signed to theatrical bookseller I. F. Fletcher

Author: 
Sir Donald Sinden
Publication details: 
1p, 8vo, on letterhead 60 Temple Fortune Lane, London, N.W.11
£20.00

English thespian. Thanks Fletcher for his catalogue of autograph letters of nineteenth-century actors. 'I doubt if I will be able to get in before Christmas but hope to see you and them as soon as possible.' Signed 'Donald Sinden'. Creased and with some unobtrusive calculations on the reverse.

autograph note signed

Author: 
Henry Arthur Jones
Publication details: 
1p, 8vo, 4 February 1928, on letterhead 19 Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead, N.W.3
£15.00

English playwright. 'Faithfully yours | Henry Arthur Jones | Feby 4/28'. Pasted to a piece of docketed card. Damp stained.

one autograph note signed to Mrs [?] Pagée,

Author: 
Henry Brodribb Irving
Publication details: 
9 December 1893, on letterhead of the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.
£25.00

English actor-manager (1870-1919), elder son of the celebrated Henry Irving. "My wife has asked me to send you the . I do so with the greatest pleasure. [...]". Discoloured, with heavy creasing to margin, and traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

one autograph note signed to [?] Croker,

Author: 
Herbert Waring
Publication details: 
14 October [no year], 172 Earl's Court Road.
£15.00

English actor (1857-1932). One page, 12mo, on mourning paper. "Many thanks for your kind congratulations and the enclosed "notice". With our united regards."

autograph note signed to "Dear Ken",

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
1 June [no year], on letterhead of Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Road.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 8vo. "I will let you know tomorrow. I have been working towards a certain goal - The T of P with the original cast. There has been a little uncertainty about an artist & I have been tempted to try other actors. I shall know by tomorrow". Smuding to recto, but signature not affected.

one autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
E. G. Harcourt-Williams
Publication details: 
13 February 1908, Queens Theatre.
£20.00

Actor and producer (1880-1957). He would have answered sooner had he not been waiting for a photograph "which has not yet arrived - however you shall have it when it does. Your letter was delightfully refreshing adn it is good to know that the stage has such valiant supporters." Signed "E. Harcourt Williams".

autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Fred Terry
Publication details: 
20/07/90
£18.00

English actor (1864-1932), brother of Ellen Terry and member of the celebrated theatrical dynasty. Apparently in reply to a request for an autograph. "Yours always sincerely / Fred: Terry / 20th July '90". Traces of mount and glue on blank reverse.

autograph note signed,

Author: 
Henry Compton [real name Charles Mackenzie]
Publication details: 
1870
£15.00

Actor-manager (1805-77). One page, 8vo, neatly mounted. "An two men ride of a horse one must ride behind" / "Shakspeare" / Henry Compton. / Theatre Royal, / Haymarket. / Jany. 24th. 1870."

autograph note signed to Lady Ashbourne,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
May 20 [no year], on letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 8vo. "Dear Lady Ashbourne / Will you & Lord Ashbourne sup with me next Monday at 34 Piccadilly Circus at 11.30 and confer great pleasure on, amongst others, / Yours sincerely / Charles Wyndham"

autograph letter signed in stamped envelope addressed in autograph to L. E. Berman,

Author: 
John van Druten
Publication details: 
4 December 1934, on letterhead of Kingsgate Castle, Thanet.
£20.00

Anglo-American dramatist (1901-57). One page, 8vo. "How very, very nice of you to write - and thank you so much for seeing my play twice and liking it. / It was all very disappointing and sad - and I dont think there is anything else to say. But I did appreciate your letter: thank you so much."

autograph note signed to Mrs Elizabeth Merivale (née Pitman), wife of the playwright Herman Charles Merivale [1839-1906, DNB],

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
2 June [no year], with letterhead 33 Brompton Crescent.
£18.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mrs. Merivale, / I fear that it is not in our power to purchase rights in Charlotte Corday now, much as I should like to. / Yrs faithfully / Cyril Maude". Negligible traces of previous mounting.

autograph fragment signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Marion Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£15.00

English actress (1852-1930), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. Fragment of letter, one page, 16mo, of irregular shape. "[...] but I did & do wish you every success dear child & thank you so much for your sweet thoughts of me = / Yours with love / Marion Terry". Remains of mount to the blank reverse.

typed letter signed to Jean [Webster Brough?],

Author: 
Fred Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£15.00

English actor (1864-1932), brother of Ellen Terry and member of the celebrated theatrical dynasty. One page, cropped, 12mo. "My dear Jean, / I wish you had been in Bolton. I would have liked to have seen you. / I am so glad you have had such a chance, and, my dear, I wish you every success in your work, but above all, good health in your life. / How nice of Mayhew to say good things about me, - and how sweet of you to tell me. Bless you both. / My love to you, my dear, and to your mother when you write to her.

autograph note signed to Miss [?] Gray,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
6 November 1874, Court Theatre.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 12mo. "I have much pleasure in granting your complimentary request & hope you will be able to read my writing". Not in best of condition, with traces of mount glued to the reverse.

autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Marion Terry
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£12.00

English actress (1852-1930), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. One page, 12mo. Evidently in reply to a request for an autograph. "Yours truly / Marion Terry".

autograph letter signed to [Joseph Kenny?] Meadows,

Author: 
G. Dance
Publication details: 
"Tuesday night, 23d. Feb." (docketted 1836).
£30.00

Dramatic author (so docketted). One page, 12mo. "On looking (as the young women say "promiscuously") over the list of your C. G. vice Presds. I do not perceive the name of my good friend the Duke of Beaufort - Has he never belonged to it? Or if not shall I ask him?" The reverse glued to the remains of the mount, with some slight loss (not affecting text) to one of the corners. Macready mentions Dance in his diary on a few occasions, without giving his first name in full.

autograph letter signed and fragment with signature,

Author: 
Henry James Byron
Publication details: 
the letter dated 1879.
£45.00

Dramatist and actor (1834-84). The letter, to [Edward] Draper, 18 April 1879, with letterhead 1 Eccleston Square, one page, 12mo. "I send a cheque for two guineas for Straus's affair. How many of our mutual friends have dropped off since we first met! I have been obliged to subscribe widely during the last 2 years - Mrs Mellon, Chatterton, J. Clarke, Mrs Manders, Buckston W. Glover, S. L. Blanchard and others, or I would send more." Fragment cut from another letter reading "Very sincerely yours/Henry J. Byron". Stuck to another piece of paper bearing traces of a mount. 2 items.

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