Autograph Letters

autograph letter signed to Sir Evelyn Wood,

Author: 
Mary Moore
Publication details: 
16 January 1896, 3 Ulster Terrace, on deleted letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£25.00

English actress-manageress (1869-1931), married successively to the actor-managers James Albery and Charles Wyndham. 2 pp, 8vo. "It was most kind of you to call & enquire after my little boy! I am thankful to say he is picking up rapidly the operation having been most successful However, my troubles are not at an end as the doctor tells me to-day that my eldest boy must undergo the same operation and has fixed next Saturday morning for the ordeal." She will bring her two youngest sons to dine with him on the Sunday, "if you are quite sure they wont worry you".

Autograph letter signed to the Rev. W. Tuckwell.

Author: 
J.G. Fitch
Publication details: 
Education Department, Whitehall, 7 August 1877.
£50.00

Educationalist (1824-1903). Four pages, 8vo. He thinks a "paper detailing [his] experiences would be very generally interesting, and would deserve a wide publicity." He feels that to discuss it at a meeting of the Council of the British Association would be contrary to his campaign to have such meetings limited to "questions purely scientific and relegating all discussion of social, economic & quasi-political topics to the Social Science Association". But, since this policy has not yet been adopted he feels able to do something.

typed note signed and autograph note signed,

Author: 
Frederick Harrison
Publication details: 
1906 and 1916.
£25.00

Theatre manager (died 1926). The first, typewritten, to John Cabourn, 1 February 1906, on letterhead of Haymarket Theatre, one page, 8vo. "I would see you with pleasure, but I am sorry to say that I am too busy to do so at present." The second, in autograph, to [?] Pryce, 21 June 1916, on the letterhead of the Haymarket Theatre ("LESSEE & MANAGER MR. FREDERICK HARRISON"), 1 page, 12mo. He says he has been thinking about his correspondent, and hoping that he would come. "I enclose with pleasure two stalls" (not present). Traces of mount glued to reverse. Two items,

autograph note signed to [Edward] Berman,

Author: 
Edward Stirling
Publication details: 
23 May 1944, on letterhead of The French Players.
£25.00

Actor and playwright (1891-1948). Director of the French Players, 209 Nelson House, Dolphin Square, S.W.1. One page, 8vo. "The only programme you havent got is of: "On Ne Badine pas avec l'amour." "

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 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'.

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."

autograph note signed to the wife of Henry Fielding Dickens [1849-?], son of the novelist Charles Dickens.

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
2 January 1901, on letterhead of Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Road.
£50.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 8vo. "Dear Mrs Dickens / When I spoke the other night of an autograph I meant that of your husband: I did not dream of such an acceptable present as you have forwarded me / I think I shall alter your plan. I will still send the book for the autograph of the eminent Q. C. & shall that of his celebrated father / With a thousand thanks / Yours truly / Charles Wyndham". In reasonable condition, with a few creases and small tears.

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

Author: 
[Walter] Brandon Thomas
Publication details: 
30 August 1893, with letterhead 42 Cadogan Terrace.
£20.00

English actor, playwright, songwriter (1856-1914). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mrs. Merivale, / I enclose two stalls & hope you will enjoy a good laugh that is all I can you. / So glad to see you & Mr. Merivale looking so well today". Attached by blank verso to blank second leaf, which bears traces of previous mounting.

one autograph card signed to a relation of the civil engineer Sir Charles Lanyon (1813-89),

Author: 
Sir Alexander Richardson Binnie
Publication details: 
29 June 1897, with letterhead 77 Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill.
£30.00

Civil engineer (1839-1917). One page, 12mo. A letter of thanks, presumably sent following the receipt of his knighthood. "Pray accept my best thanks for your kind congratulations & good wishes. / Yours very tly / Alr. R. Binnie." Four pieces of gummed paper from previous mounting adhering to the reverse.

autograph card signed to Walter Wood,

Author: 
Irene Vanbrugh (stage name of Irene Barnes)
Publication details: 
postmarked 14 July 1895 St. James Theatre.
£15.00

English actress (1872-1949), made a Dame of the British Empire in 1941. Blue "letter card" with printed stamp, addressed in autograph to "Mr Walter Wood / 7 Theresa Terrace / Hammersmith". "Many thanks for your kind invitation for June 29th which I am very sorry to say we are unable to accept owing to a previous engagement for that day. We are very busy just now rehearsing for revivals, but later on I hope we shall meet again after all. It has been most unfortunate both times missing each other. With many regrets about the C G." With traces of paper and glue to reverse.

typed letter signed to Mr [?] Ridley,

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
14 July 1904, on letterhead of the Haymarket Theatre.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). One page, 12mo. "I am very sorry that I have never written before to thank you for your very kind letter about the performance. I am so glad the poor people liked it. It is a great blessing to be able to do anything for them."

autograph fragment signed to "- Bellamy, Esqr.",

Author: 
Julia Glover
Publication details: 
undated.
£35.00

English actress (1779-1850). Fragment of letter, 1 page, 8vo, signed "Julia Glover" and docketted "Mrs Glover of Drury Lane Theatre". Stuck to a torn piece of paper carrying the following biographical sketch: "Mrs Glover.

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 to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
no date, on letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. One page, 8vo. "One never makes a mistake in telling the truth / Charles Wyndham / The Liar." Perhaps a reference to Wyndham's outstanding performance in Jones's "The Liars" (1897).

autograph letter signed to an unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Sir Thomas Tyrwhitt on George IV (1762-1830) as Prince Regent
Publication details: 
no date, but with watermark "1805", "Carlton House. / Tuesday night."
£50.00

One page, 8vo. "My dear Sir, / I have dined with the Prince alone & well weighed all that can happen at Plymouth, & am prepared to meet it. / The most material Point seems this Will L. vacate on Monday? for as the House has now adjourned till that day, He cannot now accept Office before that day. / Gl Baker breakfasts with me at ten, & if you will meet him or as soon after as shall suit your convenience I shall be most happy to see you. / Very truly yours / Thomas Tyrwhitt". Tyrwhitt was knighted in 1812, and was Usher of the Black Rod from that year until 1832.

autograph letter signed to Dorothy [?],

Author: 
Irene Vanbrugh (stage name of Irene Barnes)
Publication details: 
25 April (no year), Globe Theatre.
£15.00

English actress (1872-1949), made a Dame of the British Empire in 1941. 2 pp, 8vo. "Many thanks for your kind note. I shall be delighted to come down on Sunday May 28th. & stay till Monday afternoon. I may be rather a quiet sort of guest as this part is a great tax on me - but a day in the country with you sounds most tempting."

typed note signed to Mrs Cabowon [in fact Edith Cabourn],

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
November 22 [no year], Haymarket Theatre.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). One page, 8vo. "Dear Madam / I regret to say that I cannot seemy [sic] way to recommending the enclosed plays to a Manager for production on my account. / I remain / Yours truly / Cyril Maude"

one autograph card signed to Mrs [?] Horsley,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
"Sunday" [no date], with letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£12.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 12mo. "Dear Mrs Horsley / The state of the weather to-day precludes me from even trying to see you & to-night / I shall be happy to come tomorrow with Miss Moore [his wife the actress Mary Moore,1869-1931]".

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.

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".

autograph note signed to [?] Croker,

Author: 
William Aylmer Gowing ["Walter Gordon"]
Publication details: 
8 June [no date], 7 Thurloe Place.
£15.00

Playwright under the name Walter Gordon. One page, 16mo, on mourning paper. "My dear Croker / Monday is reserved for you - I enclose one more autograph and one of the three you want - / Yours very sincerely / William Gowing" Docketed in pencil "of the Olympic Theatre". Negligible traces of mount to the reverse.

typed note signed to W. P. Drury,

Author: 
Cyril Maude
Publication details: 
17 December 1908, on letterhead of The Playhouse, Northumberland Avenue, Charing Cross.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1862-1951). One page, 4to. "My dear Drury, / Will you sup with me to meet some members of the company next Wednes day night at 11-45. [in MS] at the Service Club" With postscript in MS, "And to wish you bon voyage you know". Not in best of condition, with creasing and slight staining to MS portion.

one autograph letter signed to Arthur [?],

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
24 June 1892, on the letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 3 pp, 8vo. An interesting letter in which he angles for some some royal patronage. "Dear Arthur / I am trying to arrange Agatha but there are difficulties - / I wonder whether Her Royal Highness is disengaged next Tuesday. We play a charming little piece on Tuesday afternoon about ¼ past 3 - which I am sure with her dramatic taste she will appreciate - It is a new comedietta called "Mrs Hilary regrets" [by Spenser Theyre Smith] that we played with great success at the Lyceum.

Autograph note signed to [Rev.] W. Tuckwell.

Author: 
Walter C. Trevelyan.
Publication details: 
Seaton, Axminster, 8 April 1866
£25.00

Naturalist (1797-1879). Two pages, 8vo, text as follows: "To enable me to answer your letter of the 6th I must beg you to have the goodness to furnish me with some information regarding "Taunton College School" & the proposed "extension" of it. . . . P.S. Please to address . . ."

autograph letter signed to Mr [?] Courtney,

Author: 
Edward Terry
Publication details: 
2 October 1890, on black and red ink letterhead of Terry's Theatre in the Strand.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1844-1912). One page, 8vo. "I am complimented by the request - but - my time at present is so fully occupied and my powers of description are so poor that I am compelled to say 'no' and I really think your readers have reason to be grateful for the decision / Yours sincerely / E. Terry".

photograph, autograph letter signed, autograph note signed, and 2 fragments signed,

Author: 
Edward Askew Sothern
Publication details: 
all undated.
£45.00

English actor (1826-81). A tiny studio photograph (an inch by three-quarters of an inch) of Sothern in the role with which he is forever associated, that of Lord Dundreary in Tom Taylor's 'Our American Cousin' (1858). Head and shoulders, looking slightly to the left, sporting a monocle and a raffish look, a centre-parting, moustache, and the sideburns which gave a new word to the English language, "dundrearies". Mounted and glued to a torn sheet of paper also bearing two signatures cut away from letters, the first "E. A. Sothern" and the second "Ted".

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.

one autograph letter to Mrs <?>,

Author: 
Charles Wyndham
Publication details: 
"Saturday" [no date], on letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1919), knighted in 1902. 2 pp, 12mo. "We have been staging this week at Maidenhead (I going down nightly) in order to be neear to Henley. So Mrs W. has not had her letters. We are I know engaged on Tuesday - but we shall hope nevertheless to reach you before 2 am final hour." Traces of previous mounting on the blank sides of both leaves.

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.

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