Printed Victorian handbill for 'Walford's Royal Military & Naval Warograph and Vocophone Company', including 'Walford's animated pictures by means of the most perfect Cinematograph', with Autograph Letter Signed from E. W. Walford to Wivenhoe School.

Surprisingly little is known about this British cinematographic pioneer, and these items are rare survivals, there being no reference to Walford on COPAC. Handbill: 8vo (27 x 21 cm). Printed on both sides. Clear and complete. Aged and creased, with damage at edges. In portrait 8vo on one side, with picture of British Army lancer and border of Union Flags. Headed 'Great Additions with Augmented Change of Artistes since last visit. | The Schoolroom, Watton. | Monday, February 10th.' 'Walford's Royal Military and Naval Warograph & Vocophone Co. Musical & Pictorial Animated Entertainment' is described as 'The Most Patriotic, Popular, and Up-to-Date Entertainment Travelling. Bright, Cheerful and Pleasing from Start to Finish.' Quotation at foot from the Surrey Leader & Horley Advertiser of Friday, December 28th, 1900, regarding the company's use of the Edison Grand Concert Phonograph. The other side of the handbill is printed in two columns, landscape 8vo. With two small illustrations of cavalry officers. The first column ('Part I.') advertises the appearance of 'the Popular Kentish Tenor', Arthur G. Latter, accompanied by Miss Millie Beaumont. Long description of 'Edison's Latest and Greatest Triumph, his Grand Concert Phonograph'. The second column ('Part II') advertises 'Walford's Animated Pictures by means of the most perfect Cinematograph (as used by command Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral) embracing the attractive and up-to-date Pictures of Scenes connected with Peace and War'. Includes 'over twenty thousand instantaneous photographs (magnified from 12,000 to 14,000 times) commencing with the departure of Officers and Troops from Southampton and including the principal items of interest in the War in South Africa up to the present time, many of them being realistic scenes taken on the battlefields'. Also 'the C.I.V. procession, and London's welcome to Earl Roberts' and 'Queen's Funeral, Commencing at Osborne House, Passage across the Solent, Crossing London. Last scenes at Windsor Castle, etc.' Also 'Special Anamatography of a very Laughable Xmas Pantomime'. Letter: 4to, 1 p. Fourteen lines (two of them scored through). Text clear and complete. On aged paper, with slight damage and foxing at head and foot (not affecting text). Semi-literate. Asking for the 'result' of his request for his company to 'have school for entertainment'. Gives a date ('Can I have it then'), and asks for the communication to be handed 'to the Manager' in case the school is not available, as 'it will save a lot of time and be much appreciated'.