[Hutin Britton, Shakespearian actress.] Two Autograph Letters Signed to theatre historian, one written following the death of her husband, Canadian actor-manager Matheson Lang.

From the Macqueen-Pope papers.. See his entry, and that of Matheson Lang, in the Oxford DNB. As the latter states, Britton and Lang had married in 1903 (she had been an actress with him in the Benson company since 1901). They toured together in Lang’s company, with Britton usually as his leading lady. ‘In 1914 they helped to inaugurate Shakespeare productions at the Old Vic under Lilian Baylis, for which Lang personally lent costumes and scenery.’ Britton was for many years a member of the Old Vic's governing board. Both items are signed ‘N. Matheson Lang’. ONE: ALS, 28 April 1948. Air Mail letter on blue paper, with Marine Hotel letterhead. In fair condition, a little creased and aged, but with the postage stamp torn away, resulting in the loss of a few words of text. She begins by thanking him for his ‘charming little letter of sympathy’. (Lang had died at Bridgetown, 11 April 1948.) She was greatly touched by his ‘kind remembrance’ of her husband. She is hoping ‘Joan’ has kept the ‘home papers’ for her. She describes her plans for her return in June or July: ‘I am going to the rooms we had reserved at The Hendon Hall Hotel anyway to start with, till I can find myself as it was. One doesn’t quite know what to try to do till one gets back. Life is indeed strange to me at the moment.’ TWO: ALS, 15 October 1951. 1 October 1951. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. She would ‘so love just to shake you by the hand if you have a moment after your talk this evening, but you must let me know should it be inconvenient.’ She ends ‘With all kind memories’.