STAGE

[ Audrey Lucas, author and Evelyn Waugh's mistress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Audrey Lucas') to the widow of Herman Finck

Author: 
Audrey Lucas [ Audrey Scott; Audrey Clarke-Smith ] (1898-1975), author, daughter of E. V. Lucas and mistress of Evelyn Waugh [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 34 Pembroke Square, W.8. [ London ] 24 April [1939].
£90.00

Anthony Powell describes Audrey Lucas in his journals as 'Evelyn Waugh's on and off mistress for some years'. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and lightly creased, with pinholes to one corner. One catches a hint of the clipped and brittle tones of the age: 'I have been away in the country and ignoring newspapers as a rest. It was only today that I heard of Herman's death. So, will you forgive me for not having written before to say how very much I grieve for you. I am so terribly sorry.

[ Charles Hayden Coffin, actor and singer. ] Autgograph Letter Signed ('C. Hayden Coffin') to composer Herman Finck, regarding a forthcoming dinner.

Author: 
Charles Hayden Coffin (1862-1935), English actor and singer, associated with actor, George Edwardes.
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Savage Club, Adelphi, W.C.2. [ London ] 20 November [ no year ].
£35.00

2pp., 16mo. In fair condition, lightly-aged. Headed 'Re. Dec 2': 'I have put my name down & hope nothing prevents my being present - tho' a "young" Savage I trust that you can fix me near you & Sir Edward - | Do what you can - what an evening it will be!!' Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Alfred Turner, Manager of the Saville Theatre. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Turner [ 'Tubby' ] (d.1941), manager of actor Cyril Maude and General Manager of Saville Theatre, London [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead as General Manager of the Saville Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 21 April 1939.
£40.00

1p., 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged. John Bennion Booth discusses Turner in his 'Old Pink 'un Days' (1925). 'My Wife and I want to express to you and your daughters our great and very real sympathy in your great loss. I sincerely mourn with you for I have lost a very old friend of many years.' He hopes that 'Time, the great healer' will help her in her sorrow. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Arthur Davenport, librettist. ] Typed Letter Signed to composer Herman Finck regarding his appeal to the Musicias' Benevolent Fund, his career, and two books sent to E. V. Lucas of Methuen & Co.

Author: 
Arthur Davenport, librettist with H. G. Pellissier (1874-1913) and Charles Wibrow, playwright on BBC 'Children's Hour' [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer; E. V. Lucas ]
Publication details: 
11 Primrose Hill Road, N.W.3. [ London ] 9 April 1931.
£65.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. Thirty-eight lines of text. Written with the forced Wodehousian bonhommie of a desperate man. He has had an operation at a nursing home, so the beginning of the letter needs to be taken metaphorically: 'My dear Finck, | This is a nice kettle of Fish and no mistake! | Came out of jail day before yesterday, but only on ticket-of-leave. Strict police supervision for two years - finger-prints - strawberry-marks - nothing kept secret! | However, they say they can make a job of it and my tail, such as it is, remains vertical.

[ 'In the Shadows', one of the last songs played on the Titanic. ] Three printed scores of music by Herman Finck, from his papers and with autograph emendations by him: 'Two Little Dances', 'Dance'. and a proof of 'In the Shadows'.

Author: 
[ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ] [ RMS Titanic ]
Publication details: 
All three items by Hawkes & Son, London. 'In the Shadows', 'Copyright, 1910, in U.S.A.'; 'Dance', 'Copyright, MDCCCCX, in U.S.A.'; 'Two Little Dances', 'Copyright 1914 in U.S.A.'
£280.00

Constant Lambert referred to 'In the Shadows' as 'that rightly renowned piece'.For the playing of the song as the Titanic sank, see Ian Whitcomb, 'The Titanic Songbook' (2011) and Steve Turner, 'The Band Played On' (2011). The three items of sheet music are from Finck's papers, and their condition bears testimony to their having been working copies. ONE: 'In the Shadows'. 8pp., 12mo. In poor condition, with outer leaves detached from one another. At head of first page: 'In the Shadows. | Dance. | Piano-Conductor. HERMAN FINCK.' Rest of page blank. Two sections deleted in blue pencil.

[ Herman Finck, composer. ] Signed Autograph musical score of 'Duet | "Optimist & Pessimist" | Herman Finck', with two notes by the author in blue pencil.

Author: 
[Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£90.00

[1] + 6pp., folio.Two bifoliums with printed staves, stitched together. A working score, worn and aged, and with the outer leaves detached from one another. Ink blot on front page which only bears the title 'Duet | "Optimist & Pessimist" | Herman Finck'. The score is six pages long, signed at the head by Finck. Neatly written out, with a couple of notes by Finck in blue pencil. On the first page: '"You is a Pessimist" | 3 verses', and on the last: 'Encore Sym & Chorus only'. A new edition of the piece, with words by Adrian Ross, was published in London by Cavendish Music Co.

[ Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, actor. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Johnston') to his sister the artist Cecilia, on family matters, with a description of his passage across the Atlantic on a troop ship.

Author: 
Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson (1853-1937), distinguished Shakespearian actor [ Cecilia Forbes-Robertson, artist ]
Publication details: 
First: 10 June 1916, letterhead of Hartsbourne Manor, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. Second: 28 December 1917, letterhead of 18 Sussex Square, Brighton. Third: 4 October 1915; Wychdene, St. Cliff Parade, Broadstairs.
£100.00

All three items in good condition, lightly aged and worn, and all in envelopes addressed by him to her at 48 Hogarth Road, South Kensington (the third 'Earls Court'). ONE: 10 June 1916. 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. He begins by expressing a desire to visit the family, and then gives directions for the use of field glasses which he is sending his father. 'They are German I am sorry to say, but the best.' TWO: 28 December 1917. 2pp., 12mo. He found her 'beautiful drawing' on his return home, and 'Auntie Gertrude will see it today. - I was thirteen days at sea, the ship having to go up to Halifax.

[ W. S. Percy, Australian comedian and travel writer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. S. Percy'), a letter of condolence to the widow of Herman Finck..

Author: 
W. S. Percy [ William Stratford Percy ] (1872-1946), Australian stage comedian and travel writer [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 25 Cholmley Gardens, London. 21 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He expresses the 'deepest regret' at his 'dear friend's death [...] His passing will mean a great loss both to his friends & the world of music.' The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Percy made his in Australia in the productions of J. C. Williamson. He toured America before settling in England. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Francis Collinson, musicologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Francis M. Collinson'), a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck, conveying the 'tributes' to his memory made at a meeting of the Musical Conductors' Association.

Author: 
Francis M. Collinson [ Francis James Montgomery Collinson ] (1898-1984), musical director and musicologist [ Herman Finck [born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Musical Conductors' Association [ London ]. 5 May 1939.
£90.00

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Collinson is named as Honorary Secretary of the Association on the letterhead. He begins by explaining that he has waited until after the previous day's meeting of the Association to write to her, so that he can convey 'the tributes to your late husband's memory which I felt sure would be shown at this gathering of his friends and colleagues'. 'Mr Frederick Austin as chairman referred to the great loss which we all felt in the passing of Herman Finck, and spoke of his great qualities both as a friend and as a musician.

[ Alfred Wareing, repertory theatre pioneer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Alfred Wareing'), a letter of condolence to the widow of conductor Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Wareing [ Alfred John Wareing ] (1876-1942), founder of the League of Audiences and repertory theatre pioneer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The League of Audiences, London. 27 April 1939.
£65.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. 'Your dear husband was one of my oldest and most valued friends in my Savage Club circle; his place can never be filled as you, more than any of us, know and with deep sorrow.' Wareing joined Sir Frank Benson's company in 1900. In 1909 he founded the first Citizens' Theatre in an English-speaking country. On his death The Times (13 April 1942) referred to him as 'a repertory theatre pioneer'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Sir Alfred Butt, theatre impressario. ] Five Typed Letters Signed (all 'Alfred Butt') to the composer Herman Finck, on a variety of topics

Author: 
Sir Alfred Butt (1878-1962), theatre impressario, Managing Director, Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Palace Theatre, London [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
All five on London letterheads. First, The Palace Theatre Ld., Shaftesbury Avenue, 1912; second, Garrick House, Lisle Street, 1921; third and fourth Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Ltd., 1926 and 1931; fifth, Seymour House, 17 Waterloo Place, 1931.
£120.00

Five letters, each 1p., 4to. In fair condition, aged and creased. ONE: Palace Theatre, 4 July 1912. In capitals. Conveying the thanks of the King and Queen to the members of the orchestra for their work at the previous night's royal performance, and adding, for Finck: 'I have already told you how much I appreciate what you did on Monday night and the splendid manner in which you conducted. The success of the performance would have been impossible without your invaluable assistance.' TWO: Garrick House, 23 March 1921.

[ Frank Eyton, lyricist. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Frank Eyton') accompanying his typed original humorous poem about road works 'A Finchley Road Cameo'; together with a Typed Letter Signed ('Frank') of reminiscences and family news.

Author: 
Frank Eyton (1894-1962), English popular music lyricist [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
Typed Letter Signed on letterhead of The Montecito, Hollywood, California, 20 September 1937. Autograph Note with Typed Poem on his letterhead, 12 Lowther Mansions, Barnes, S.W.13 [ London ]. 24 December 1937.
£120.00

Both items in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Typed Poem followed by Autograph Note Signed. 24 December 1937. 2pp., 8vo. The poem consists of eleven four-line stanzas, with the title typed in red. An apparently unpublished humorous poem, quite charming and well worthy of publication. Begins: 'For months we've had electric road-drills | Right outside our door, | And two gentlemen who play them | Called in yesterday at four.

[ Printed items. ] Leichner of London, stage make up manufacturers: set of sixteen 'Leichner Make-Up Charts', notes on 'Casualty Faking' for Civil Defence Training, and other material.

Author: 
L. Leichner (London) Ltd., make-up for stage, film, photography and television, founded by Ludwig Leichner (1838-1912)
Publication details: 
L. Leichner (London) Ltd., Leichner House, Acre Lane, SW2; Leichner Make-Up and Beauty Studio 44a Cranbourn Street, WC2. One item dted April 1958 and the others from the same period.
£180.00

The material is in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Set of 16 black and white 'Leichner Make-Up Charts', each on a loose 22 x 13.5 cm piece of art paper. Complete with covering leaf. Illustration and instructions on how to prepare make-up for characters including 'Haggard Man', 'Villain', 'Stage Butler', 'Italian', 'Arab', 'Clown', 'Red Indian', 'Oriental', 'Jovial Woman' and 'Ballet'. TWO: Duplicated Typescript titled 'Casualty Faking'. 6pp., 4to.

[ Phyllis Hartnoll, theatre historian and poet. ] Four Typed Letters Signed to the theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, with other material relating to the purchase of items from him.

Author: 
Phyllis Hartnoll (1906-1997), theatre historian, musicoloist, poet and publisher [ Barry Duncan [ Horace Alexander Barry Duncan ] (1909-1985), London theatre historian ]
Publication details: 
Three of the letters on Oxford University Press letterheads. Other items addressed from her home, Hobbits, Nether Westcote, Kingham, Oxon. 1945 and 1946.
£180.00

Nine items. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Heavily annotated by Duncan. The letters (each 1p. long, two in 4to and two in 8vo) concern her orders and wants'. On 23 April 1945 she writes: 'I find on looking through the Play Pictorial bound volumes that No. 28 His Highness My Husband is missing. It is not a very important one, in fact I don't remember hearing of the play before, but if you happen to have a copy among your single numbers, I should be glad to have it, in order to complete the volume.

[ The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, London. ] Printed handbill advertisement for a ball, listing the Patronesses, Lady Stewards and Stewards.

Author: 
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, founded in London in 1875 [ Eric Forbes-Robertson (1865-1935), artist and actor, brother of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson (1853-1937) ]
Publication details: 
The ball to be 'held in St. Martin's Town Hall, Trafalgar Square, in aid of The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, on Friday, the 1st day of February, 1895.'
£28.00

2pp., small 4to. Printed in black and red ink on the rectos of the two leaves of a bifolium. The heading and the words 'Tickets 15s. each' at the foot of the page in gothic type, the rest in roman. The names of 23 'Patronesses' given in two columns on the first page, beginning with 'The Countess of Ancaster' and ending with 'Mrs. Alfred Scott-Gatty'. The names of 24 'Steward' in a column on the second page, beginning with 'Harold Bompas, Esq.' and ending with 'Roland Vaughan Williams, Esq.' At foot of second page: 'Tickets can be procured from the Hon. Mrs.

[ Norman Forbes-Robertson on his 'sensitive hearted friend' W. S. Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan. ] Carbon typescript of 'Laughter Loving Friends. | On the Stage | Sir William Gilbert. | by | Norman Forbes.'

Author: 
'Norman Forbes' [ Norman Forbes-Robertson (1858-1932), actor and brother of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson [ W. S. Gilbert [ William Schwenck Gilbert ] (1836-1911), librettist; Gilbert and Sullivan ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£200.00

9pp., 4to. In good condition, on nine leaves of lightly-aged paper. With three deletions in pencil. A stalwart of the Garrick Club, Forbes-Robertson was a friend of Dame Ellen Terry, Oscar Wilde and Sir Edward Elgar, and organised Sir Henry Irving's funeral with Bram Stoker. There is no indication that this paper was ever published.

[ Allan Aynesworth [ Edward Abbot-Anderson ], actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Allan Aynesworth'), a letter of condolence to Lady Hall on the death of Sir Edward Marshall Hall.

Author: 
Allan Aynesworth [ Edward Abbot-Anderson] (1864-1959), English actor who had a leading role in the first production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde [ Sir Edward Marshall Hall ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 78 Portland Place, W.1. [ London ] 24 February 1927.
£100.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to 'Dear Lady Hall', and sending his 'sincere condolences on the death of Dear Ted', from whom he 'had received [...] so many acts of true friendship & kindness'. The loss is great to him and many of Hall's friends. The letter concludes: 'May it be of some solace to you & your Daughter to know how beloved he was!'

[ Frank E. Tours, Hollywood composer and musical director. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Frank Tours') to the theatre historian W. J. Macqueen-Pope, containing reminiscences of his London theatre days (George Dance, Marie Lloyd, Stanley Logan).

Author: 
Frank E. Tours [ Frank Tours; Frank Edward Tours ] (1877-1963), English-born Hollywood composer and musical director (Marx Brothers; Citizen Kane; The Emperor Jones) [ W. J. Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960)]
Publication details: 
South Laguna. 20 January 1951.
£200.00

3pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight staining to one corner from paper clip. A good letter, filled with detail. Apart from brief opening and closing paragraphs the whole of the letter is devoted to reminiscences of his life before leaving England for America. At one point he comments: 'it is only when one is thinking back, as I am now, that one realizes the speed with which time fugits; it is now 21 years since I have been home, and 30 years since Bob and I were in "Irene" at the Empire.' The reminiscences begin: 'Barring a trip to U. S. and Australia with G. P.

{Printed] The Stage Society News, nos. 1-26 (14 Nov. 1903-23 May 1907 = Fifth Season). With an incomplete run of Programmes, 1901-1938.

Author: 
[The Stage Society; ?Allan Wade (1881 – 1955), actor, theatre director and writer, bibliographer of Yeats.]
Publication details: 
1903-1907
£400.00

Unbound, 4-16pp, 8vo and 4to, minor damage to two, mainly good condition. Articles, reviews, programmes, information, advertisements. In the first number, for example, there is an introductory, anticipations of Gorki's "Lower Depths", a Brieuz, and Shaw's "Caesar and Cleopatra", "New Members Elected" (inc. Mrs Pethwick-Lawrence), events, former productions, "Managing Committee", "Rules for 1903-1904", "Bye_law (e.g. removal of hats by Ladies), and advertisements.

[ J.M. Barrie ] Original coloured illustrations of Napoleonic costume designs for 1934 production at His Majesty's Theatre, London, of J. M. Barrie's play 'Josephine'

Author: 
[Costume designs for the 1934 production of 'Josephine' by J. M. Barrie, at His Majesty's Theatre, London] [Lady Helen Beerbohm Tree; George Grossmith Jnr; Lyn Harding; Spencer Trevor; Allan Jeayes]
Publication details: 
1934; His Majesty's Theatre, London.
£350.00

Twelve pages of illustrations, each on a separate leaf. Seven are portrait folio, four are portrait 8vo, and one is landscape 8vo. All clear and complete, on aged and creased paper. All coloured in watercolour. The seven folio portraits are: Napoleon as First Consul; Talma; Eugene; Moustache ('Mr. Lyn Harding [(1867-1952)]'); two 'Flunkies'; and Austrian Ambassador ('Mr Spencer Trevor [(1875-1945)]'). The four portrait 8vo illustrations consist of: two of Larose ('Lady Tree [Lady Helen Beerbohm Tree (1858-1937)]'); Louise ('Miss Lemand') and the overcoat of Talma ('Mr.

[ Edward Askew Sothern, English actor. ] Autograph Signature ('E. A. Sothern | Haymarket Theatre.') on part of letter.

Author: 
E. A. Sothern [ Edward Askew Sothern ] (1826-1881), English actor, best-known for playing Lord Dundreary in 'Our American Cousin'
Publication details: 
Haymarket Theatre [ London ]. Undated.
£20.00

On one side of 6 x 10 cm piece cut from the end of a letter. In fair condition, aged, ruckled and a little faded. Reads: '<...> kindly pass | Very soon | If convenient | & oblige - | E. A. Sothern | Haymarket Theatre.'

[ Charles Fechter, Anglo-English actor. ] Autograph Signature ('Ch. Fechter') and authorisation of admission to '2 boxes' at the Adelphi Theatre, London.

Author: 
Charles Fechter [ Charles Albert Fechter ] (1824-1879), Anglo-French actor
Publication details: 
Adelphi Theatre, London. 23 December [ no year ].
£20.00

On one side of a 7 x 9 cm piece of laid paper. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn; apparently cut down. Reads: 'Adelphi | Admit 2 boxes | Wed. Dec 23 | Ch. Fechter'. Good bold signature.

[ Sir Henry Irving. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('H Irving') to 'Lord Gray', regarding a theatre box.

Author: 
Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905), eminent Victorian actor-manager
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 15A, Grafton Street, Bond Street, W. [ London ] 15 February [ no year ].
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. In a difficult hand. He hopes there is 'no misunderstanding about the box for tonight', which is reserved in the recipient's name at the theatre: '& you have only to ask for your box'. He ends: 'We shall meet tonight I hope after the play.'

[ Charles Kemble, actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Kemble.') to C. R. Smith, correcting a mistake regarding the British Archaeological Association.

Author: 
Charles Kemble (1775-1854), English actor [ C. R. Smith [ Charles Roach Smith ] (1807-1890), antiquary and archaeologist; British Archaeological Association ]
Publication details: 
Athenaeum Club [ London ]. 27 August 1847.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight rust spotting around date at head. He explains that it is 'under a mistake' that he has been 'proposed as an Associate of the Central Committee of the British Archaeological Association', and he declines the 'honor intended' with 'sincere thanks'.

[ James Sheridan Knowles, Irish dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. Sheridan Knowles') to the Birmingham printing ink manufacturers Beilby & Co, regarding a debt (incurred through his association with the Glasgow newspaper 'The Free Press').

Author: 
James Sheridan Knowles (1784-1862), Irish dramatist and actor [ Beilby & Knotts, Birmingham; William Spencer Northhouse, editor, 'The Free Press', Glasgow newspaper ]
Publication details: 
'July 1828 | Port Bannatyne | near Rothsay | Island of Bute | N[orth]. B[ritain].' [ Scotland. ]
£180.00

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. On aged and worn paper, with some repair, and traces of stub from mount still adhering. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with postmarks, to 'Messrs Beilby & Co | Printing Ink Manufacturers | Birmingham'. On the same page, in another hand: 'Mr Reuben Sparks.' Knowles's entry in the Oxford DNB gives the context. In 1816 he 'moved to Glasgow, where he established and ran a school for nearly twelve years [...] In 1823 and 1824 he added to his income by conducting the literary department of the Free Press, a Glasgow paper which advocated liberal and social reform.

[ J. C. Williamson Ltd., Australian theatre management firm. ] Collection of 15 numbers of 'J. C. Williamson Ltd. Magazine Programme' and two numbers of 'Theatre Royal Magazine Programme'.

Author: 
J. C. Williamson Ltd., Australian theatre management firm, founded by American actor James Cassius Williamson (1845-1913)
Publication details: 
[ Printed by Whitmarks Ltd, Sydney, Australia, for the publishers City Ads. Ltd. ] The 17 numbers dating from between 1928 and 1941.
£220.00

The collection is in fair condition, with rusted staples, and slight age and wear to the covers of most of the numbers, with a handful in not such good condition, the covers of one of them being almost detached. All 4to, and ranging in length between 20pp. and 64pp. Well-illustrated, with coloured covers, biographies, news and gossip, relating to actors, plays, the chain and its theatres, as well as wider topics such as 'Russian Ballet in London', 'A Few Toilet Hints. By Phyllis Monkman', 'The Grenadier Guards Band. Shortly to Tour Australia', and 'Modern Make-Up'. By Miss May Murray.

[ Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, playwright. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Arthur W. Pinero') to the actor-manager Arthur Cecil Blunt, explaining that he cannot dramatize the novel of 'Mr. Wigram'.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1855-1934), playwright [ Arthur Cecil [ Arthur Cecil Blunt (1843-1896), actor-manager and playwright ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 64 St John's Wood Road, NW [ London ]. 26 May 1887.
£60.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed to 'Arthur C. Blunt, Esq', with salutation to 'My dear Cecil'. With regard to 'Mr. Wigram's letter' he writes that he 'would rather not dramatize a novel, and did I feel an inclination to do so I don't think I am at all a good man for the work'. He nevertheless asks the recipient to inform Wigram that he is 'complimented by his and Lord Desart's proposal'. The postscript is mildly amusing: 'P.S. I hope I am not liable to misconstruction in enquiring after your Housemaid's Knee'.

[ George Grossmith, Victorian humourist. ] Dictated Letter, Signed ('Geo: Grossmith') with autograph postscript, to 'George R, &c.' [George R. Sims], describing their first meeting, and commenting warmly on their thirty-eight years of friendship.

Author: 
George Grossmith (1847-1912), humourist, author, actor and singer [ George R. Sims (1847-1922), journalist and bon vivant ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 55 Russell Square, W.C. [ London ] 22 June 1908.
£80.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium. Aged and stained, with creasing along one edge. A wonderful letter, linking two notable figures in late-Victorian society, beginning: 'Do I remember it? how can I ever forget it, considering that we introduced ourselves to each other, without any introduction; & that casual acquaintanceship has developed into a friendship (without a discordant note) which has lasted for about 38 years.' Regarding their first meeting he writes: 'I was not subpoenaed as a short hand writer, as no such functionary was engaged at Bow St.

[ Dame Marie Tempest, actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Mary') to 'My dear Cyril', discussing his 'amusing and witty play' and the one in which she is acting.

Author: 
Dame Marie Tempest [ Mary Susan Etherington ] (1864-1942), English singer and actress ('the queen of her profession')
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'Miss Marie Tempest'. 'Monday' [ no date ].
£35.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with slight loss to one corner and creasing to another. Strengthened on reverse with a small piece of tape. Letterhead in red, with Tempest writing in green ink. She writes warmly: 'I've read your Play, and I think it charming up to the point of the two people who are crooks! It suffers from the same thing that our present Play suffers from. Too sudden a jump!' She invites him to go and see the play, 'and you will gather what I mean'. She ends by describing his play as 'amusing and witty'.

[ Cyril Maude, actor-manager, and his wife the actress Winifred Emery. ] Five Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed by him, and two Autograph Letters Signed by her, all to the journalist 'Mrs. Whitley'

Author: 
Cyril Maude [ Cyril Francis Maude ] (1862-1951), English actor-manager; his wife 'Winifred Emery' [ stage name of actress Maud Isabel Emery; later Maud Isabel Maude ] (1861-1924)
Publication details: 
On following letterheads: four from 26 Cleveland Gardens, Lancaster Gate, W. [ London ]; two from 33 Egerton Crescent, S.W. [ London ]; one from the Playhouse, Northumberland Avenue, Charing Cross (from 1907); one from the Haymarket Theatre, London.
£150.00

The eight items are in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. Maude's six letters (all signed 'Cyril Maude') total 8pp., and his wife's two (both signed 'Winifred Emery') total 3pp. In the typed letter the recipient is named as 'Mrs. Whitley, | 78 Alexandra Rd., | St. John's Wood, | N.W.' All eight items deal with interviews conducted by her with the couple. On 20 December Maude writes, 'as I told you I fear there will be nothing in particular for me to tell you, as it is very necessary for me to avoid telling anyone anything just yet awhile.

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