Music and Theatre

Autograph letter signed to [?] Pemberton,

Author: 
William Sydney Penley, actor
Publication details: 
28 April 1890, on letterhead of Terry's Theatre, Strand, London.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1852-1912). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mr Pemberton/ / If more convenient to you Thursday at 11.30 will suit me just as well as Wednesday". Traces of previous mounting on blank reverse.

Autograph note signed to Frank [?],

Author: 
Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Publication details: 
undated, with letterhead 22 Bedford Square.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 12mo. "Dear Frank, / I am too busy to see you just now, but write me what the business is. - / Yours sincerely / J. Forbes-Robertson." Not in the best of condition: creased, torn and with evidence of previous mounting on blank reverse.

Autograph note signed to Mr <Spielmann?>,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
"Thursday" (no date), with letterhead 57 Pont Street.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo. "We will call for you at about 10.30 tomorrow morning. It is very good of you."

Typed letter signed to the playwright Richard Pryce,

Author: 
Nigel Playfair
Publication details: 
6 November 1922, on letterhead of the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith.
£45.00

English actor-manager and director (1874-1934), knighted in 1928. He thanks him for his letter about the play "The Immortal Hour" (1907) by Fiona Macleod (William Sharp). "I am delighted that you liked it so much, and I think that gradually the public is beginning to find it out. / It will amuse you to hear that the night before last I saw a performance, at my little boys' school, of "The Dumb Cake"; a pirated version revised from memory.

Autograph letter signed to unnamed female correspondent,

Author: 
William Sydney Penley, actor
Publication details: 
27 November 1894, on letterhead of the Globe Theatre.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1852-1912). One page, 12mo. "Dear Madam / I sent your donation to Mrs. Wenman, with your letter She should have acknowledged it, Apologising for delay Thanking you for your kindness". Traces of previous mounting on reverse.

Autograph note signed to Mr [?] Stewart,

Author: 
Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Publication details: 
no date, with embossment 22 Bedford Square.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 12mo. "My dear Mr Stewart / I am so sorry, but I am engaged next Sunday. I wish it were otherwise. With very kind regards / Believe me to be / Sincerely / J. Forbes-Robertson." Traces of glue and mount on blank reverse.

Autograph note signed,

Author: 
Sir George Alexander (George Alexander Gibb Samson), Theatre Manager
Publication details: 
undated, on letterhead of the St James's Theatre, King Street, St James's.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1858-1918), knighted in 1911. One page, 12mo, evidently in response to a request for an autograph. "With pleasure / Yours truly / George Alexander". Negligible traces of previous mounting on reverse of blank second leaf.

Autograph letters signed (x 2) and 1 autograph note signed,

Author: 
Marie Effie Bancroft (née Wilton)
Publication details: 
all undated, all with letterhead or embossment 18 Berkeley Square.
£35.00

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Squire Bancroft. The first letter, to Lady Hayter, "Thursday" (no date), 2 pages, 8vo. "Shall you have any military music on Friday? If so, I should like to see the Trumpeter for I want him to play some calls during a recitation. I would run in between 3 & 4 some day just to have a little talk on the subject." The second letter, to an unnamed male correspondent, "Tuesday", 3 pp, 12mo. She thanks him for sending the stalls to the concert, but is sorry that she cannot attend because "Mr.

Photograph signed,

Author: 
W. H. Berry
Publication details: 
1921
£20.00

Comic actor. A charming photograph, 5 inches by 3 inches, of a winking Berry in sailor suit and cap of "H.M.S. CISSY", his arms folded across his chest. Inscribed "Yours. v. truly / W. H. Berry / 1921". Mounted on pink paper docketed "Very Popular Actor". In good condition.

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Publication details: 
undated, with letterhead Hartsbourne Manor, Bushey Heath, Herts.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page, 8vo. Clearly in reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours truly / J. Forbes Robertson." Slight ink staining to one corner.

Typed letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Mary Moore
Publication details: 
13 November 189<6>, with letterhead of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly.
£20.00

English actress-manageress (1869-1931), married successively to the actor-managers James Albery and Charles Wyndham. "I much regret that owing to the many calls upon my time at present, I am unable to give you the information you require."

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Publication details: 
February 1928, no place.
£12.00

English actor-manager (1853-1937), knighted in 1913. One page 12mo. What is clearly a reply to a request for an autograph, "Yours very truly, / Johnston Forbes-Robertson. / Feb: 1928." Mounted, with slight ruckling, on a piece of pink paper, docketed "Sir J Forbes Robertson / great actor / studied under Phelp / Passing of the 3rd floor back / Knighted June 1913 / Published reminiscences 1925".

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Marie Effie Bancroft (née Wilton)
Publication details: 
no date, with letterhead 31 Cavendish Square.
£12.00

Actress (1839-1921), wife of the actor-manager Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926). One page, 12mo. "A happy new year to you both / Marie Bancroft". Traces of previous mounting at head and foot of the page.

Autograph letter signed and one typed letter signed, both to Sewell [Stokes],

Author: 
Norman Ginsburg
Publication details: 
both 1967, both with letterhead Barum Lodge, 25 Prideaux Road, Eastbourne, Sussex.
£30.00

Playwright (1902-1991). The typed letter, 8 February 1967, one page, 8vo. An interesting letter. "I am back again! I have just had a note from Murray Macdonald. He tells me he is going to direct a new play by Tam and Maggie Williams, probaly [sic] in July. The Williams' want Gladys Cooper [English actress, 1888-1971] for it but it is a small part and she has not said "Yes" or "No" yet. She spole to Murray about "The Limit" and told him she would like to do it at Guilford. So please, please convince her that the play to do is the one by ME and not by Williams!

Autograph note signed to Mr [?] Wells,

Author: 
Wilson Barrett
Publication details: 
14 October 1899, no place.
£12.00

English actor and dramatist (1846-1904). "Thank you for the kind offer. I shall bear it in mind. Many congratulations on the success." Strip of brown discolouration in the right-hand margin and evidence of previous paper-clip attachment.

Typed letter signed to Mrs [?] Enthoven,

Author: 
Hugh Beaumont
Publication details: 
17 September 1943, on letterhead of H. M. Tennent Ltd.
£25.00

Theatre producer (1908-1973). "Thank you so much for your letter. I entirely appreciate your difficulties and I am most grateful to you. I hope that L. E. Berman can let me have the original manuscript as I should be most grateful. / I am sorry you have not received the photographs as promised and I will look into this immediately." Not in the best of condition: creased and grubby.

one autograph letter signed to Mary Folkard,

Author: 
Edward Rose
Publication details: 
5 March 1880, 4 Worcester Street.
£20.00

Dramatist (1849-1904). One page, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph. "I am very much obliged for the ticket, and will certainly go. I am so glad you have got such a good chance, and I will "signify the same" (i.e. my gladness) "in the usual way".

Autograph note signed to Mr [?] Parnell,

Author: 
James Albery
Publication details: 
27 March 1871, Upper Richmond Road, Putney.
£20.00

English dramatist (1838-89). One page, 12mo, on mourning paper. "I am sorry I forgot the card. Did you get the stalls all right / In any way I can serve you / I am / Yours faithfully / J. Albery". Docketed in a small hand in ink. Minimal loss to one corner. Bearing traces of previous mounting.

Autograph letter signed to unnamed male correspondent,

Author: 
Frederick Henry Yates
Publication details: 
December 20 (no year), <?> or Adelphi Theatre.
£50.00

English comic actor (1795-1842) and manager of the Adelphi Theatre. 2 pp, 4to. Eccentric handwriting, of uncertain decipherment. "We must trouble you by return of Post to send us up the last tune but one & the finale to the Pantomime / Make Puck if you please come out of the Fairy Mounds tell Harlequin & Columbine the Chace is done. Then loves rewards and change to the last tune the Fairy Temple - Then dance & a short finale - one verse <?> & Chorus - / [...] / I hope all goes well with you. We are all alive - Let us have it by return of post".

Autograph letter signed to [Mary H.] Folkard,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
18 July 1907, London.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). 4 pp, 12mo. Interesting letter in which he declines a play. "Its an awful shame to have kept your mss. so long, but I think I told you, I was too deep in promises &c. to give immediate attention! / If domestic Drama were popular now, I should not hesitate to play yours, it is full of pure incident and effective situations, and the dialogue is clear and interesting. [...] In my opinion this is not big & bold enough for "Drama" and not "elegant" enough or adapted to "up to date" models. [...]" Somewhat grubby.

Autograph fragment signed,

Author: 
James Sheridan Knowles
Publication details: 
no date or place.
£25.00

Irish-born playwright (1784-1862). A cutting from a letter of irregular shape, 12mo, made by an autograph hunter. "Thank you my dear fellow. Tho' on the score of friendship I was quite well satisfied before as I am now / Yours ever / J. S. Knowles." Docketed on the otherwise blank reverse "The autograph of Mr. Sheridan Knowles, the author of the plays called "Virginius," William Tell, &c. &c.". -"

Autograph letter signed to [Mary H.] Tennyson,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
5 December 1907, with letterhead Crescent House, Queen's Crescent.
£25.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). "Dear Miss Tennyson, / "Reading a play" is very actable, and would suit an actor like Chas. Collett, & important & voluble, & there are several who would make a success of it. But I'm afraid I am not one of them. Sorry to have kept the MS. so long. [...] MS. [not present] returned herewith registered."

Autograph note signed to "Mr Masson

Author: 
Ignaz Moscheles
Publication details: 
140 Sloane Ct, 10 July 1861
£100.00

Bohemian musician and pianist. One page, 8vo, sl. batterd but the text is unaffected, and clear. "My dear Mr Masson/ Every bottle drawn by your beautiful corkscrew shall be emptied to your good health and that of your sister [presumably Elizabeth Masson, vocalist and teacher, see DNB], and you will both live in our recollection as highly valued and long tried friends. With best thanks . ..... I. Moscheles

autograph letter signed to [?] Pemberton,

Author: 
Edward Terry
Publication details: 
5 August 1890, Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1844-1912). On two pieces of paper. 2 pp, 12mo and one page, 8vo, the second piece with the letterhead of Terry's Theatre in the Strand. "Here again in Harness Thank Goodness - Royalty Glasgow next week then Brum where I hope to see you. Cannot tell you where I shall stay yet as my People are away in Wales did you see the enclosed / Kind regards to all yours / from yours / E. Terry". Postscript on second piece of paper: "P.S.

Autograph letter signed to Henri Weiss,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
Tuesday [no date], addressed c/o H. Sasson, 8 Ruskin Mansions, Club Gardens, West Kensington.
£15.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). Interesting letter exemplifying the importance of dentistry to the acting profession. 3 pp, 12mo, on mourning paper. "You know I've been away, on Tour with the "Lions" and after that, I took a jaunt to Tronville & Rouen, just returned with a broken tooth. - I've had to be patched up on tour, & have quite given up the idea of a good looking mouth. Any way I shall be glad if you will put a lower front tooth in. I will come to you to-morrow Wednesday afternoon about 3.30. in the hope you'll be free.

Autograph letter signed to the actress Mary H. Tennyson,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
postmarked 16 June 1880, with embossment of the Garrick Club.
£20.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). One page, 12mo, in stamped envelope adressed in autograph. "Dear Miss Tennyson. / There are no vacancies at present at the Adelphi. I shall be happy to remember you when opportunity affords - With congratulations on your progress. / Yours very truly / Henry G. Neville

Signature only

Author: 
Jenny Lind
Publication details: 
no date
£35.00

Bold signature on paper cut to 4" x 1", some staining marginally affecting clarity.

Autograph note signed to unnamed correspondent,

Author: 
Henry Arthur Jones
Publication details: 
4 July 1927, with letterhead 19 Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead.
£20.00

English dramatist (1851-1929). One page, 12mo. "Life won't bear looking at, will it; from / "Whitewashing Julia" / by / Henry Arthur Jones". Jones's comedy was printed by the Chiswick Press in 1903. Negligible rust-staining from paperclips in one margin.

Autograph letters signed (x 2) and one autograph note signed to Mary H. Folkard and the draft of one of her replies,

Author: 
Henry Neville [Thomas Henry Gartside Neville]
Publication details: 
circa 1878.
£45.00

English actor-manager (1837-1910). Note, undated, Studio, 524 Oxford Street, Marble Arch, 2 pp, 12mo, somewhat grubby. He suggests a time for him to see her the following day. Letter, "Friday" (no date), on letterhead of the Olympic Theatre, 2 pp, 12mo. "Would you mind letting me hear your voice. I think I could offer you Florette in the "Orphans" if you felt that kind of part, - perhaps you would kindly give me a call tomorrow Saturday at about 12, at the Theatre." Letter, 5 September 1878, on letterhead of the Olympic Theatre, 2 pp, 12mo, in stamped envelope addressed in autograph.

Autograph notes signed (x 5).

Author: 
Edward Willard
Publication details: 
1903-1914.
£40.00

English actor (1853-1915), admired for his melodramatic villains. The first, to Mr Philip, 14 December 1903, St. James's Theatre, one page, 12mo. "Herewith a cheque for one guinea in exchange for the dinner ticket you sent me a week or so since". The other three all written to Allan Gomme in 1914, with the letterhead 29 St. James's Street. The first of these, March 12, one page, 12mo. "I shall have great pleasure in attending the Inauguration Ceremony of the Burbage Memorial on Monday next, and the luncheon afterwards". The second, March 13, one page 12mo.

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