William Poel writes from London to his nephew Reginald Pole, giving him the right of first refusal of the leading role of the "Francis play" when it is acted in America and the opportunity to buy cheaply the American acting rights of the play from...
"The Discarded Lover" composed and sung by William Siddons on his benefit night at Brecon in 1771 to the tune of "Derry Town." It consists of 13 four-line verses. "The Discarded Lover" is bound to a baptismal extract dated 1818 May 2 and a letter...
Hurlbut, E. P. (Elisha P.); Combe, Cecilia, 1794-1868; Combe, George, 1788-1858; Eulogies; Death; Letters
E.P. Hurlbut writes Cecilia Siddons Combe sending her condolences after the death of her husband, George Combe. The letter contains an embossing. The letter contains notations by more than one hand.
Charles Kemble writes an unnamed lady saying that although he was the chairman of a committee, he does not remember the titles of any "Mss" she mentions.
Kemble, John Philip, 1757-1823; Theaters; Stage props; Rent; Letters
J. P. Kemble writes an unnamed correspondent discussing rentals, stage needs, and the intention not to re-let the theatre. The unnamed correspondent may be Mr. Currie. Page 4 is a self-cover.
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.); College teachers; Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868; Kean, Ellen, 1805-1880; Letters; Muspratt, Sheridan, 1821-1871; Photographs; Postage stamps; Signatures (Writing); Street addresses; Universities and colleges
Kean responds to Dr. Sheridan Muspratt's request for a photograph of Kean and his wife. In the letter, he describes his current preparations for a trip to Australia. Page 3 of letter contains a newspaper clipping. Penultimate page consists of Dr....
Book spines; Bookplates; Brenon, Herbert, 1880-1958; Kean, Edmund, 1787-1833; Latin language; Mistresses; Nash, John Henry, 1871-1947; Poetry; Watermarks; Wilke, William Hancock
Materials consist of a poem with box and tri-fold binder. Letter is attributed to Edmund Kean and, according to the binder, describes his experiences with Ophelia Benjamin, a woman with whom he lived on the Isle of Bute. The poem shows Kean's...
David Garrick writes to his widowed female neighbor about a complaint regarding cut trees on the shared border of their properties. Notes gathered with the material suggest that the letter recipient was named Mrs. Winch. Letter contains a partial...
Catherine Clive writes to a woman to enquire as to the state of Mrs. Eva Maria Garrick after the death of her husband David Garrick. Clive sends her sympathy to Mrs. Garrick and tells the letter recipient how she found out about Mr. Garrick's...
Lawrence, William J. (William John), 1862-1940; Letters
Lawrence turns down Starker's request to shorten his article for the "Dublin" and complains about one of his other article's treatment at the hands of Sidney Glover, the editor of "Apollo." He looks forward to leaving London for the less expensive...
Barry writes to Sowdon expressing his concern for Sowdon's health and then goes on to say how he's more inclinded to play at Covent Garden than at Drury Lane for reasons he will tell Sowdon in person.
Barry writes to Sowdon in Dublin to inform him that he cannot accept his offer to leave London for the Ireland theatre, as Sowdon cannot equal his current income. He writes to clear up any misunderstanding on his or Mr. Victor's part about the...
Material consists of a two-page prologue handwritten by Garrick placed next to an engraving of Garrick with his signature. Both materials have been pasted to a thicker sheet for protection and presentation. Prologue contains secondhand notations at...
Actresses; Dinners and dining; Garrick, David, 1717-1779; Garrick, Eva Maria, 1724-1822; Letters; Moving, Household; Pope, Elizabeth, ca. 1740-1797; Sealing-wax; Seals (Closures); Signatures (Writing); Watermarks;
Garrick writes a letter of appeal to actress Elizabeth Young because of her refusal to see him for dinner. Garrick expresses his hurt and plan to see her perform. He also refers to his wife's wishes on the matter. In a postscript, Garrick indicates...
Gainsborough writes an amiable letter to David Garrick about a man named Henderson who bears a likeness to Garrick as a performer. Gainsborough possibly refers to John Henderson, a promising actor at the time. Gainsborough goes on to hint at...
Lawrence, William J. (William John), 1862-1940; Letters
Lawrence asks Starker to send him the proof of the magazine article previously sent and laments his fading eyesight. He also mentions a visit by Professor William Clark.
The membership form, addressed to Poel, for The Elizabethan Stage Society explains why they were founded and what they are trying to accomplish (a return to play acting with the sole focus on Shakespeare's words, not the scenery.) The Society...
Poel writes in response to his correspondent's last letter and asks him not to use his name, Poel, on the professional stage as it can be of little use to him. He requests that the correspondent discuss any plans for opening a school in America...