THEATRICAL

Typed note signed to Tom Bass of Manchester,

Author: 
Phyllis Neilson-Terry
Publication details: 
17 May 1920, on letterhead in red and black advertising her 1920 spring tour.
£25.00

English actress (1892-1977), daughter of actor Fred Terry (1864-1932) and his wife the actress Julia Emilie Neilson (1868-1957). One page, 4to. "Thank you very much indeed for your charming letter of welcome. / I sincerely hope that you will enjoy "Trilby". I have had great success with it elsewhere, and I only hope that Manchester will love the old play also. / thankyou for your inquiries regarding my mother and Father, they are both well."

Autograph note signed to an unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Kate Josephine Bateman [Mrs George Crowe]
Publication details: 
4 June 1872, 6 Kensington Gore.
£25.00

American-born actress (1842-1917). One page, 12mo. "In answer to yr. note I first appeared in Manchester in the year 1864 in the character of "Leah". / Yrs: respectfully / K. J. Bateman Crowe". With traces of glue and paper to reverse of blank second leaf.

Autograph letter signed to unnamed female correspondent,

Author: 
Kate Rorke
Publication details: 
no date, with letterhead 64 St John's Wood Road.
£25.00

Actress and teacher of elocution (c.1866-1945). One page, 8vo. "I am so sorry that your letter came too late for me to send you any tickets for our concert. Perhaps you will help us another year? - Truly yours / Kate Rorke-Gardiner". [Her first husband was Edward Gardiner (died 1899). Loss to one corner, and traces of previous mounting on blank verso.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Adelaide Phillpotts') to 'Miss Hall'.

Author: 
Mary Adelaide Eden Phillpotts (1896-1996), English author (daughter of Eden Phillpotts)
Publication details: 
21 March 1927; Eltham, Torquay, South Devon.
£28.00

Two pages, quarto. Very good, with a little wear and light creasing. 'I often think of those days, & how timid & shy & stupid I was! Yet I enjoyed myself too, & shall never forget your great kindness, & the help you gave me. Since then I've had many adventures & experiences. I am not the thing I was!' She has been in London for the winter, and hopes they will be able to meet. 'We're so glad you like "Yellow Sands" - & I'm very pleased you like "Tomek". She has 'just finished another novel & play'. Asks what has become of a number of common acquaintances.

a letter addressed to her signed on behalf of the solicitors Maggison & <Preught>,

Author: 
Elizabeth Brunton,
Publication details: 
18 April 1843, <?> Road, Bedford Row.
£35.00

Lessee of the Adelphi Theatre. English actress (1799-1860), wife of the actor Frederick Henry Yates (1795-1842). 2 pp, 12mo. An interesting letter to "Mrs. Yates" shedding light on the theatre mores of the period. "Mr. Beckett & Mr.

autograph letter signed to Mr [?] Ward,

Author: 
Ada Cavendish
Publication details: 
20 February 1877, with letterhead 26 Sackville Street, Piccadilly, and serpentine monogram of the initials A and C.
£20.00

English actress (1839-1895), for a time manageress of the Olympic Theatre. 2 pp, 12mo. "I enclose you the Stalls with much pleasure - and I hope you will enjoy the performance. Please place the enclosed cheque for £25 - to my account and oblige / Yours sincerely / Ada Cavendish". Traces of glue and paper from previous mounting at foot of second page.

Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Lena Ashwell
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£20.00

Classical actress and theatre manager (1872-1957), later Lady Simson. The signature is 2½ inches long, on a piece of grey paper, with one crease but otherwise in good condition. The paper is mounted on a piece of card which is neatly docketed, 'Lena Ashwell | now | Lady Simson 1925 | Actress | famous in | [...] | Appointed Office of the Order of the British Empire for valuable work in providing concerts at the front and at Home during the Great War'.

autograph note signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Ellen Kean (née Ellen Tree)
Publication details: 
docketed "22 May 1850", no place.
£20.00

English actress (1806-80), wife of Charles John Kean (1811-68). One page, 12mo. "Sir/ / Under the sofa in our sitting room you will find a long narrow deal Box. [at least we left it there] it contains a roll of Pictures - will you oblige me by sending it properly directed to Mr. Kean 8 Torrington Square London and sent immediately / Ellen Kean". Cropped, with traces of previous mount on reverse.

autograph note signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Ada Cavendish
Publication details: 
no date, but docketed "May 1875", with embossment 26 Sackville Street, Cavendish Square, and serpentine monogram of the initials A and C.
£20.00

English actress (1839-1895), for a time manageress of the Olympic Theatre. One page, 12mo. "Sir / I have much pleasure in forwarding you my autograph / Yours truly / Ada Cavendish". One of the edges unevenly cropped, and slight traces of previous mounting on the reverse.

autograph letter signed to [Thomas] Bass,

Author: 
Georgina Milne
Publication details: 
9 January 1913, New Theatre, Manchester.
£12.00

Actress. 2 pp, 12mo. She thanks him for his letters and the handkerchiefs. "I am very glad you enjoyed "Kismet", it is indeed a fine play." She encloses a postcard [not present] and will let him have one of the photographs she is having taken.

autograph note signed to Mr [?] Shaw,

Author: 
Ellen Kean (nee Tree)
Publication details: 
6 July [no year], with letterhead 47 Queensborough Terrace, Kensington Gardens.
£20.00

English actress (1806-80), wife of Charles John Kean (1811-68). "Dear Mr. Shaw / I have not forgotten the little girl and I want more books / I hope you are well through this weather / yours very sincerely / Ellen Kean". Negligible evidence of previous mounting.

one autograph note signed to an unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Ada Cavendish
Publication details: 
without date or place.
£20.00

English actress (1839-1895), for a time manageress of the Olympic Theatre. One page, 12mo. Written in a bold hand, clearly in reply to a request for an autograph. " "Tell me thy reason / Why thou wilt marry " / "All's well that ends well" / Ada Cavendish". In reasonable condition, despite a tear almost halfway down a crease running vertically down the centre of the paper, and traces of glue and paper from previous mounting on the reverse.

autograph note signed to Mrs [?] Wood,

Author: 
May Agathe
Publication details: 
without date or place.
£35.00

One page, 12mo. She has just returned from the theatre at 11 o'clock and is "delighted to have been able to obtain a ticket". Signed "May". Stuck to the foot of the page is a newspaper cutting describing Sarah Bernhardt's performance in Emile Moreau's play on Queen Elizabeth. This ends, "A word is fairly due to the work of M. Lou Teilegen and Madame May Agathe, and to the excellence of the stage management." Creased and with traces of mount on reverse.

Typed note signed to unnamed female correspondent,

Author: 
Gertrude Elliott
Publication details: 
4 March 1903, Lyric Theatre, London.
£15.00

American actress (1874-1950), sister of Maxine Elliott. One page, 12mo, mounted on a piece of card. "Dear Madam / Pray accept my hearty thanks for so kindly subscribing to the Actors Benevolent Fund."

Autograph letter signed to Mr [?] Ball,

Author: 
Maria Foote, Countess of Harrington
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£75.00

Actress, singer and dancer (1797?-1867), a great beauty whose amours were the subject of a number of pamphlets. "Thursday 2 o'clock", 3 pp, 12mo. She sent him a dinner invitation that morning but he had gone. "Thank Ferdinand for his Book which I return - and for the apple - which I shall cut up with some curiosity". In a postscript she thanks him for "I cannot sing". Signed "M H", so dating from after her marriage to Harrington in 1831. In good overall condition, despite negligible water staining, tears and traces of mount.

autograph notes (x 2) signed to [Tom] Bass of Manchester,

Author: 
Esme Percy
Publication details: 
both 1911.
£25.00

[Saville] Esme Percy, Actor (1887-1957). The first, 21 November [1911], Theatre Royal, Bury, Lancashire. "So glad you are coming over Saturday night. If you will kindly let me know how many of you are coming I shall be pleased to give you all Tea if you will accept my invitation." The second, 24 November 1911, Theatre Royal, Bury, Lancashire, on deleted letterhead of the Gaiety Theatre, Manchester. "I shall expect you at 5 pm at 34 Shepherd St. Bury - am so glad your friends are coming with you". Two items,

autograph letter signed to Miss [?] Lewis,

Author: 
Ada Rehan, actress
Publication details: 
18 June 1890, on letterhead of the Hotel Métropole, London
£25.00

Irish-born American actress (1860-1916). 3 pp, 12mo. "I fear a matinée will prevent my coming on July 4th. Some benefit I have promised to play for - but if I come off early enough - & am not too tired I will certainly <?> in & see you / I hope that you and all your delightful family are well". Creased, but otherwise in reasonable condition.

Autograph fragment signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Julia Emilie Neilson
Publication details: 
12 March [no year or place].
£12.00

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry. 2 pp, 12mo. Written in a bold hand. "[...] if they will come & see me as they used to when I lived in Devonshire Street - With again many thanks / Sincerely yours / Julia Neilson-Terry / My husband is also rehearsing.

autograph note signed to Miss [?] McCarthy,

Author: 
Ada Rehan, actress
Publication details: 
8 November 1891, on letterhead of the Gordon Hotels Ltd.
£20.00

Irish-born American actress (1860-1916). 2 pp, 8vo. "Can you and your dear Father come and have a little lunch with me on Wed: at 1 o.clock {- just really to say goodbye / drop me a line if you will - With love - but in haste / Ada Rehan". Traces of paper and glue from previous mounting on blank sides.

one autograph fragment (signature),

Author: 
Gladys Cooper
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£20.00

English actress (1888-1971), made a Dame of the British Empire in 1967. Signature on card, 1½ inches by 3 inches. Mounted on piece of paper, 12mo, docketed "Gladys Cooper (Lady Pearson) Popular Actress".

Autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
Julia Emilie Neilson
Publication details: 
17 January [no year], Haymarket Theatre.
£12.00

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 2 pp, 12mo. On the recto: "Dear Sir / Herewith I am sending portrait of myself [not present] All my pictures". Lengthwise on the reverse, in a bold hand, "Truly yours / Julia Neilson=Terry".

autograph letter signed to Mrs Gielgud (mother of John Gielgud?),

Author: 
Dorothy Green
Publication details: 
23 December 1933, with letterhead 64 West Kensington Mansions.
£20.00

2 pp, 12mo. She thanks her for her "sweet present", and then makes what appears to be a reference to John Gielgud: "I'm taking Betty tonight to see John - her first evening performance! She is so thrilled. I am so sorry he has been so reedy, but perhaps the enforced rest will do him good." Slight traces of adhesive tape to left-hand margin of recto.

Autograph letter signed to Madame [?] Sterling,

Author: 
Marie Effie Bancroft (née Wilton)
Publication details: 
9 February [no year], with embossment 18 Berkeley Square.
£15.00

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Squire Bancroft. 2 pp, 12mo. "Send me the lines & I will see what I can do. I am so sorry to give you all this trouble for I know how busy you are / yrs very sincerely / M. E. Bancroft".

Autograph card signed,

Author: 
Fay Compton
Publication details: 
no date, but circa 1920.
£20.00

Actress (1894-1978). Card, on one side of which is printed, "30 CONDUIT ST / BOND STREET / W / TELEPHONE / 1923 / MAYFAIR / INSTEAD thanks / .... / for .... letter, and order for Photographs which are being proceeded with. / .... 192 ...." Over this, lengthwise and upwards, is the signature "Fay Compton", and above it an attempt at forgery, with the "Compton" reasonably convincing, but with "Fey" for "Fay". On the blank reverse another signature by Compton. The actress would appear to have provided these examples of her signature for copying onto her publicity photographs.

calling card signed,

Author: 
Ada Rehan, actress
Publication details: 
dated 1894.
£20.00

Irish-born American actress (1860-1916). Calling card 2½ by 3¼ inches, "Miss Rehan. / 164 West 93rd. Street.", with the name crossed out and signed on the reverse "Ada Rehan / 1894."

one typed note signed to Mr [?] Lacy,

Author: 
Glenda Jackson
Publication details: 
June 1977, with letterhead "GLENDA JACKSON".
£20.00

Actress (1936-) and minor politico. One page, 4to. "Thank you very much for your letter. I'm so glad to know that you have enjoyed my work and have pleasure in enclosing a photograph [not present] for you to add to your collection." Not in the best of condition: heavily creased, slightly torn and slightly discoloured.

Autograph letter signed to an unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Julia Emilie Neilson
Publication details: 
no date, 4 Primrose Hill Road.
£20.00

English actress (1868-1957), the wife of Fred Terry (1864-1932). 2 pp, 8vo, on blue paper. Intimate letter written in a large hand. "Darling - Yes the book arrived I do congratulate the way you've written & arranged the book. Delighted with it & everything about it: splendid / You would have heard before this only I've been rather ill with day & night nurses = even now I'm finding it difficult to recover my strength / I shall hope to see you in the new year & here is my love & good wishes from / your affectionate old / Julia".

Autograph note signed to Mrs [?] Moscelles,

Author: 
Marie Effie Bancroft (née Wilton)
Publication details: 
"Monday" (no date or place).
£12.00

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Squire Bancroft. One page, 12mo. She declines an invitation. "Dear Mrs. Moscelles / I am going out of town tomorrow for some days or I shd. have been delighted / Yrs very sincerely / Marie Bancroft". Removal from a mount has resulted to loss at the top of the leaf, and there are traces of glue and paper on the reverse.

autograph letter signed to Ella [Davis],

Author: 
Florence Terry
Publication details: 
23 August 1881, Theatre Royal, Oldham.
£20.00

English actress (1855-96), sister of Ellen Terry and member of celebrated theatrical dynasty. 2 pp, 12mo. "You really must think me a pig for not having written to you all this time - but now I send these few lines to thank you first for your good wishes and congratulations on my engagement to Mr Morris & for kind remembrance of my birthday - The card was a very pretty one - I hope to be home after the 4th of next month - so I shall hope to see you before long now: It must be delightful on the Thames: With love and thanks to you & Alice Lewis for all your good wishes".

calling card signed,

Author: 
Adelaide Helen Calvert, actress [née Biddles or Bedells]
Publication details: 
undated.
£15.00

English actress (1837-1921), wife of the actor-manager Charles Calvert (1828-1879) and mother of the actor Louis Calvert (1859-1923). Black-letter calling card, 3½ by 2¼ inches, of "Mrs. Charles Calvert. / 22, York Mansions, / Battersea Park. / S. W. 11." Signed between the signature and the address "Adelaide Helen Calvert".

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