THEATRICAL

autograph note signed to the playwright and novelist Herman [Charles] Merivale (1839-1906),

Author: 
Henry Kemble
Publication details: 
23 July 1886, on letterhead with mourning border of the Garrick Club.
£20.00

Actor (1848-1907). One page, 12mo. He thanks him for sending a book. "I shall hope to read much of it on Sunday next". Two strips of paper glued to the reverse.

autograph letter signed to Mrs [?] Wood,

Author: 
Irene Vanbrugh (stage name of Irene Barnes)
Publication details: 
no date, with letterhead 190 Earl's Court Road.
£15.00

English actress (1872-1949), made a Dame of the British Empire in 1941. Headed "Wednesday" (no date), one page, 8vo. "Mr Sydney Brooks' address is / 2 Montpelier Square / S. W. / He is the cellist who is going to play at your concert. Yours in haste / Irene Vanbrugh".

one autograph letter signed to [Thomas] Bass of Manchester,

Author: 
Denis Neilson-Terry
Publication details: 
undated, Lew Theatre, Manchester.
£15.00

English actor (1895-1932), son of the actor Fred Terry (1864-1932) and his wife the actress Julia Emilie Neilson (1868-1957). One page, 4to. "I must write to you now just to say how much I enjoyed your letter, & the great good-fellowship & hospitable sport, that prompted the sending of it. All I can say is that you're all splendid to be so good & helpful to me, thank you again & again".

autograph note signed,

Author: 
Charles Warner
Publication details: 
09/01/86
£15.00

English actor (1846-1909). One page, 8vo. " " Gerraire! look look nana nana come to Papa, I'm dying. Oh God forgive me" "Coupeau" ". Warner's most memorable part was Coupeau in 'Drink' (1879), an adaptation of Zola's 'L'Assommoir'.

typed note signed to Mrs [?] Halsey,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
30 May 1896, on the letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 8vo. "I shall be delighted to come and lunch with you on Thursday, June 11th., if that will suit your convenience, and the invalid promises to be quite well by that time!" Traces of mount glued to reverse of blank second leaf.

autograph letter signed to Thomas Bass,

Author: 
Meredith Meredro
Publication details: 
19/05/08
£15.00

Actress and singer. 3 pp, 12mo. She apologises for not answering sooner. She "will be in Manchester again this coming winter" and will send a photograph which she hopes he will like. "I dont dislike Manchester - for the week I was there - it didn't rain at all. Well I must close as I must get ready to sing."

one autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Charles Warner
Publication details: 
2 January 1892, 33 Brunswick Square.
£20.00

English actor (1846-1909). 4 pp, 12mo. Interesting letter relating to marriage and the acting profession. "I do not agree with the opinion expressed by Mr J. T. Green respecting the early & unhappy marriages of actors & actresses having to play love scenes together. I think in most cases of love making upon the stage it is looked upon as purely a matter of business. Doubtless there are exceptional cases, but the marriages of actors & actresses are mostly happy - Mr. & Mrs. Kendal. playing lovers - a long life of married happiness - Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Compton - Mr.

autograph note signed,

Author: 
William Henry Schofield Payne
Publication details: 
no date.
£45.00

Actor and pantomimist (1804-1878), "the last true mime", who played opposite the great Joseph Grimaldi. One page, 8vo. Written in a florid hand, "W H S Payne / Theater Royal Covent Garden / Le Roi De Pantomime." The "S" in the signature is in superscript. In a smaller hand at the head of the page the signature of Gustave Garcia.

autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
Marianne [Mary] Davies
Publication details: 
undated.
£35.00

Singer (1744-1816?). Signature cut away from letter, 16mo. "[...] What is the date of the affair. / Every yours lovingly / Mary Davies".

autograph letter signed to Mrs Revière,

Author: 
Brandon Thomas
Publication details: 
28 June 1898, with letterhead 105 Cadogan Gardens.
£15.00

English actor, playwright, songwriter (1856-1914). One page, 12mo. "You are sweet, as well as dear! We are working our heads off about the Liebhart Concert & hoping for the best / The two tickets will be sent in due course". With traces of paper and glue to the reverse of blank second leaf.

autograph letter signed to his aunt Madeleine,

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
23 February [no year], with the letterhead 33 Brompton Crescent.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). 3 pp, 12mo. "Things are so terribly 'uncertain' with me just now. I am exceedingly busy every day arranging about a Syndicate which is to back us in a Theatre this Autumn added to this the latest play at the Comedy is not a success & we may be plunged into Rehearsals any day. When things 'calm down' a bit I will let you know if we can come. I should like to very much if we can manage it."

autograph poem signed,

Author: 
Brandon Thomas
Publication details: 
29 April 1895, on letterhead of the Hôtel Burlington, Boscombe, Bournemouth.
£30.00

English actor, playwright, songwriter (1856-1914). One page, 8vo. "Sir Maple is a handy man / And comfort round him spreads, / He furnishes on every plan / And also makes the beds." In bad condition, torn and holed by removal from mount, traces of which are glued to the reverse.

1 typed note signed and 1 typed note, both to J. Knowles,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
July 2 and 5 1890, both on letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£40.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. The first, signed on Wyndham's behalf by "A. R. S." "I find that instead of putting down Sir Robert Morier's address in my note-book, I simply noted down the evening. Will you kindly send me the address." The second, "Very many thanks. If my rehearsals for my "off season" piece permit me, I shall be very happy to come. Will you kindly grant me a few days' grace to ascertain." Both letters with damage to blank second leaf, including traces of glue and mount. Two items,

autograph note signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Squire Bancroft
Publication details: 
15 January 1880, with the embossment of the Garrick Club.
£15.00

English actor manager (1841-1926), knighted in 1926. One page, 12mo. "I fear I shall not be able to join the meeting this afternoon through important business at the Haymarket." Signed "S. B. Bancroft". Paper and glue from previous mounting on the reverse.

autograph letter signed to L. Gomme,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
in envelope postmarked 6 December 1910, and on the letterhead of the Hyde Park Hotel, Knightsbridge.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. "At present & for some time past I am & have been absorbed in work preparing a New Year production. In 2 weeks, I go out of the & will then go into the play untrammeled by other matters."

autograph letter signed to Mrs [?] Ransford,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
28 December [no year], with letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. "I find that Mrs Wyndham & I am assured myself also, pledged ourselves not to see The Two Roses without Mrs Sabrialli & Mrs. Albery - the same kind of pledge I made to you I have therefore resolved to keep both promises if you have no objection - & shall throw the two boxes I have reserved for all of us into one, so as to make a family party. / We cannot however this evening go to supper with you.

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.

autograph note signed to the actor and dramatist Charles Farley (1771-1859),

Author: 
Thomas Philipps
Publication details: 
"Wednesday" (no date), 63 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury.
£45.00

Vocalist and composer (1774-1841). Piece of 4to paper with stationer's embossment folded over and attached with sealing wax. Addressed on one side to "Charles Farley Esq / Theatre Royal / Covt. Garden". "Dear Farley / If you can with perfect convenience give me an order for this on tomorrow night you will oblige an old friend / T Philipps / My lecturers privilege is at your service for any friend during my course at any of the institutions". Slight loss (without loss to text) caused by opening of letter.

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.

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 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 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.

autograph letters signed (x 2).

Author: 
Tom Heslewood
Publication details: 
one 1910 and one 1940.
£20.00

Actor and costume designer (1868-?). The first letter, docketted "Alas poor Tom -", to Miss Grosvenor, 4 December 1940, 18 Selwood Terrace., 2 pp, 8vo. He apologises for not being able to attend any of her at homes. "I have been at Plymouth & Cardiff the last fortnight with H. B. Irving [Henry Brodribb Irving, 1870-1919] arranging his new play". The second letter, to L. E. Berman, 21 April 1940, with embossment 52 Temple Fortune Hill, 2 pp, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. He thanks him for forwarding the letter from Barking.

Autograph letter signed to [?] Horton,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson)
Publication details: 
5 October [no year], on letterhead of the St James's Theatre, King street, St James's.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "Glad to hear from you: <?> had told me that you were soldiering. I wish you could have been here with us but yours is a glorious job. Good luck attend you & our arms". Creased, and with traces of previous mounting on blank reverse.

Autograph note signed to Miss <Edna Orflere?>,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
9 June 1906, on letterhead of the St James's Theatre, King Street, St James's.
£15.00

One page, 12mo. Only partially decipherable, due to Alexander's dreadful handwriting, which is reminiscent of that of his contemporary Charles Wyndham. "I shall be pleased to see you if you [...] one night next week. / Sincerely / George Alexander".

Photograph signed,

Author: 
W. H. Berry
Publication details: 
1921
£20.00

Comic actor. A charming photograph, 5 inches by 3 inches, of a winking Berry in sailor suit and cap of "H.M.S. CISSY", his arms folded across his chest. Inscribed "Yours. v. truly / W. H. Berry / 1921". Mounted on pink paper docketed "Very Popular Actor". In good condition.

Autograph letter signed to Mrs Bovill,

Author: 
Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Publication details: 
21 April <1897?>, with embossment 22 Bedford Square.
£25.00

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 12mo. "Yes, with the greatest pleasure. Baker St. 11.37. - I warn you, I am a very good player." With negligible creasing and staining.

Autograph note signed to Miss Wheldon,

Author: 
Marius Goring
Publication details: 
24 November 1925, 55 Fitzroy Row, Regent's Park.
£20.00

English actor, manager, director (1912-1998). One page, 4to. "Thank you very much for your letter. I enclose three post-cards, hoping that they will be of some use." Miss Wheldon was organising a charity fete. In bad condition: creased and torn, with holes for a ring-binder and annotated with a large ink cross.

Autograph note signed to Mr <Spielmann?>,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
"Thursday" (no date), with letterhead 57 Pont Street.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "We will call for you at about 10.30 tomorrow morning. It is very good of you."

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