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 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 critiques John Barrymore's performance as Hamlet for his nephew Reginald Pole, who had acted alongside Barrymore in Hamlet. He praises how "he talked his part" but criticizes his lack of emotion and overuse of ""the Macready pause."" A...
Poel's written extracts of private letters received in praise of his play, "The First Franciscans," about the life of Sir Francis. There is also a review clipped from the Manchester Guardian. [These extracts may be the enclosures referred to in...
Playbill for Jonson's pastoral play, "The Sad shepherd," a tale of Robin Hood. The playbill contains a brief synopsis of the play, the names of the actors and characters, as well as a section written by Dowden.
Barry writes to Sowdon apologizing for not replying to the letter sooner. Barry congratulates Sowdon success in acquiring the manger's friendship and asks for Sowdon's opinion on a second Playhouse in Dublin and whether he's still on friendly terms...
Jesus Christ Iconography; Mercers' Company (London, England); Stone carving
Pages appear to be torn from a book. The article discusses the archeological find of an early Renaissance figure of Christ in Mercers' Chapel in London and speculates about its historical significance.
Barry, Spranger, 1719-1777; Letters; Woffington, Margaret, d. 1760
Barry writes from London to express his confidence and personal support for Sowdon's plan for a Dublin theatre to rival Sheridan's. He suggests raising funds through subscription and mentions several actresses who may be interested in joining the...
Sarah Siddons writes an unnamed poet expressing disappointment in not receiving sonnets. She gives thanks and affection and suggests looking at "this prettiest of all pretty places." The unnamed poet could possibly be Anna Seward, Swan of...
Combe, George, 1788-1858; Spencer, William Robert, 1769-1834; Invitation; Letters
William Robert (W.R.) Spencer writes George Combe, husband of Cecilia Siddons, the daughter of Sarah Siddons, regretting missing Combe's invitation. Spencer promises a position and help to Combe's friend. In the postscript, Spencer announces...
Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Third Marquis, writes from Bowood to George Combe, husband of Cecilia Siddons, the daughter of Sarah Siddons, in appreciation for a book by Combe. He sends his regards to Cecilia Siddons. The letter contains notations by...
Fanny Butler writes Naly saying that her father is in pain and that he might have to have an operation. Butler adds that she and her children are also ill.
Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868; Tickets; Performances; Letters; Watermarks
Charles Kean writes an unnamed correspondent saying that he is welcome to a box for "Faust & Marguerite" and says that he will send tickets for the "Courier of Lyons." The letter contains watermarks and is torn.
Bartley, George, 1782-1858; Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868; Acting; Performances; Letters
George Bartley writes Kean congratulating him for his performance of Leontes. Kean probably refers to Charles Kean. The letter contains notations by a second hand.
Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868; Siddons, Sarah, 1755-1831; Kemble, John Philip, 1757-1823; Macready, William Charles, 1793-1873; Theater; Letters; Watermarks
Charles Kean writes Mr. Donne discussing his admiration for Mrs. Siddons and John P. Kemble, his dislike for Macready, his belief in the value of the Royal Theatricals, his own role as a pioneer in the theatre, and his plans for the future. Mrs....
Tayleure writes to Kean about a collection of letters and other materials related to his father, Edmund Kean. Tayleure mentions the monetary value of certain letters and sends materials to Kean to propose a sale. Tayleure adds a postscript about...
Ellen Kean writes a casual letter to a Mrs. Talfourd about various topics which include her children's illness, the landscape of Wardie Brae, the Surrey Zoological Garden, theatre business, and London gossip. First page contains two separate parts...
Diseases; Embossing (Printing); Kean, Ellen, 1805-1880; Kean, Charles John, 1811?-1868; Letters; Performances; Retirement; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. King Henry VIII; Signatures (Writing); Watermarks
Ellen Kean writes to Fanny Rose about her personal life. She describes her illness and how it affected her stage work. She also gives a short account of her husband, Charles Kean, and a recent theatre performance. She contemplates retirement and...
