Verlag: 11 June ; on letterhead of The Dickensian The Dickens House 'The Magazine of the Dickens Fellowship' 48 Doughty Street London WC1, 1952
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 1p, 12mo. Signed 'Leslie C Staples'. In fair condition, lightly aged, with some creasing to corners. Folded twice for postage. Presumably written following a meeting of the Fellowship at Drury Lane, where MP was press officer. 'My dear Popie / I cannot say how grateful we all are for the truly wonderful afternoon you gave us yesterday. A million thanks'.
Verlag: 16 November ; on letterhead of the 'Sunday Express' Fleet Street London, 1951
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. In good condition, lightly aged. 1p, 12mo. Signed (as Managing Editor of the Sunday Express) 'Hugh' and addressed to 'Dear Popie'. The article will start, as he explained on the telephone, 'with the death scene. / Here is the galley proof - uncorrected, so do not worry about literals. / We may also have to reduce the length a little, but it will be done with the usual skill of the Sunday Express'.
Verlag: On her letterhead from 128 Mount Street London W.1. 6 March, 1953
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p, 8vo. In good condition, on lightly aged paper. Folded once. Salutation ('My dear Popey -') and valediction ('My love to you both - | Anna.') in her autograph; the rest typed. Good bold signature. Reads: 'It was so very kind of you to think of me on Saturday. The play has had a perfectly lovely reception so, now the first night is over, we shall be able really to enjoy ourselves!' The play she is referring to is Robert Nesbitt's 'The Glorious Days', which had a run of 476 performances at the Palace Theatre, and which was made into the 1954 film 'Lilacs in the Spring', in which she starred with Errol Flynn. See her entry, and Macqueen-Pope's, in the Oxford DNB.
Verlag: 2 January ; on Fleet Street letterhead of the Sunday Express, 1952
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
12mo, 1 p. Good, on lightly-aged paper. He had meant to write to him 'at the end of the series' (of articles by Macqueen-Pope?): 'We took a great deal of trouble in putting the series over well, and I am glad you liked the results.' The 'nonsense at the beginning' was caused by 'a series of misunderstandings'. Ends: 'No doubt we will knock into each other shortly.'.
Verlag: Letter: 30 June ; 44 Montagu Street Kettering Northants. Leaflet without date or place, 1957
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) Letter: 1p, 4to. On cream paper. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice for postage. The letterhead, headed '"The Meaning of Versatility" / Fred Lewis / Creating a good impression.', has an illustration of a series of footprints up the left margin, some with faces in them, and such slogans as 'Mirthful Medleys' and 'Brilliant Burlesque'. The feet creating these 'impressions' are disappearing at the head of the page. He writes: 'Dear "Popey" / A really most enjoyable evening & I was very disappointed I did not see you at the "finale". However I hope to see you again in the near future. I am very keen on the MUSIC HALL (that was!) & would like to do my impressions over the air or on television - can you suggest to whom I might write?' Leaftlet: 3pp, 12mo. Printed in brown, with photographic portrait of Lewis in black, on a bifolium of shiny paper. In good condition, folded once. On cover beneath the portrait of a smiling Lewis in hat, jacket and tie: 'Fred Lewis / The well-known / Character Impressionist / and Entertainer / 44, Montagu Street, Kettering Phone 2350'. The third page announces that 'FRED LEWIS has a very extensive repertoire of Comedy Songs, Character Impressions, and a fund of Good Stories.' A list of his engagements begins with 'B.B.C. (Variety Programmes)' and ends with 'De Montfort Hall, Leicester / and / All Principal Variety Theatres in Great Britain'.
Verlag: 5 July year?. Three Corners Watledge Gloucestershire
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 2pp, foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, lightly-aged, with creasing at head, which is annotated by MP '(author)'. After thanking him for his letter he writes: 'It is fatal to have a book published without seeing a proof. In my "G[ilbert] & S[ullivan] Dictionary" I had occasion to mention "The Yeomen of the Guard" 14 times. The comp[ositor], aided by the reader, deliberately channged them to "Yeoman". They actually said they did so because "Yeoman" was correct!" Turning to Shaw's 'Arms and the Man' he says he knows 'the original Yorke Stephens & his wife Helen Hays, for their son Frank was a schoolfellow of mine at Merchant Taylors!' He gives a list of the 'fine theatrical people' that school produced. 'I met a lot of the profession at the house of my uncle (by marriage) W. [Lestrange?], including Edna May, Hubert Carter, and Hilda Trevelyan.' If his 'slightly longer experiences' might be of use to MP in writing his books, they are at his disposal. He once found '200 slips' in a book by 'old John Parker', 'for which he seemed grateful'. Postscript: 'Northcliffe, when plain Alfred Harmsworth, suggested my nom de plume of Factus, when I was a schoolboy. (FACTUS = done!)'.
Verlag: Swaffer's letter: 9 May ; 8 St Martin's Place Trafalgar Square WC2 London. Carbon of Macqueen-Pope's letter: 11 May 1951; 359 Strand WC2 London, 1951
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. From the Macqueen-Pope papers. Each item in good condition, lightly aged, with creasing and rust staining to one corner from a paperclip. ONE: Swaffer to MP. TLS, signed 'Swaff'. 1p, 4to. 'Dear Popey, / Do you know anything about this woman? [From the context he is sending MP an enquiry he has received from 'Mr. Le Poer Trench'] I presume she was a legitimate actress. If she was on the halls, which is not suggested by the "Isabel", I will ask Georgie Wood to publish a paragraph in the "Performer." You might just drop this man a line.' He ends by apologizing for retaining MP's books: 'I was suddenly asked to do a "Band Waggon" article on the Festival of Britain, not the matter that was originally suggested. / Your books are quite safe. I hope you are.' TWO: Unsigned carbon of TL from MP to Swaffer. 1p, 8vo. Long letter. He is returning Le Poer Trench's letter. 'The only Bilton of whom I know anything was Belle Bilton, who became Lady Dunlo and this is obviously the Isabel Bilton he means.' He gives a good deal of biographical information before continuing, regarding the marriage: 'There was great family opposition, as you might expect, for Belle Bilton was now well-known as a pantomime, music hall and musical comedy performer. The marriage was secret and took place on the 10th July 1889 at the Hampstead Registrar's office. The family opposition continued and there was a whole lot of trouble, into which we need not go. But it has always been my opinion that Belle Bilton was far more sinned [last four words underlined] against than sinning.' He continues with more information, including the fact that, although this 'remarkable woman' 'could not be received at Court in those days', 'Queen Alexandra became her personal friend'. He ends with reassurance over his books, and a report of his ill health.
Verlag: 15 April ; on letterhead of Lavender Lodge Maidenhead Court Maidenhead, 1953
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 1p, 16mo. Signed 'Bill Owen'. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Hailing him as 'the greatest living authority on British Theatre', he asks for advice. 'My job is acting, and it has always been an ambition of mine to portray the life of Dan Leno, either on film or TV. The "powers that be" have shown a certain interest in the idea, and in order to get things moving I want to present them with a full working script or even a synopsis as soon as possible.' He asks him 'what reading matter I might find useful for historical detail of this wonderful artiste'.
Verlag: 12 January ; from the Phoenix Theatre WC2 London on his letterhead, 1952
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. The present item relates to the 1952 RSC production of 'Much Ado about Nothing', directed by Gielgud and with him playing Benedick. 1p, landscape 8vo. Red-ink letterhead 'JOHN GIELGUD'. Signed 'John Gielgud' and addressed to 'Dear Popie'. In good condition, lightly aged and creased. Folded twice. He thanks him for his 'good wishes and thought of me. / We could not have wished for a more appreciative first night audience or more enthusiastic notices and are very happy to feel we have such a success.' He ends with 'Warmest New Year greetings and again my thanks.'.
Verlag: 30 October On his letterhead 23 Three Kings Yard London W1, 1946
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p, 8vo. On aged and worn paper, with spots of rust staining from paperclip. Folded twice. Addressed to MP at 359 Strand, WC2. Reads: 'Dear Popie, | Children's Theatre | "Sound" | This is just to acknowledge your rough draft of the article you suggest. I have not had time to look at it yet, but I will do so as soon as I possibly can. Meanwhile, perhaps your secretary will let my secretary know the latest date for returning it.' MP's reason for sending the article to Donat is not immediately apparent. Donat's papers are in the University of Manchester Special Collections.
Verlag: On illustrated letterhead of the Argyle Theatre Birkenhead. 28 July, 1945
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
The Clarke family ran the Argyle for fifty years from 1890 to 1940, during which period it was one of the best-known provincial theatres. It opened as the Argyle Music Hall in 1868, and between 1876 and 1890 was named the Prince Of Wales Theatre, being used mainly to stage plays. In 1890 the focus returned to music hall and variety and it was renamed the Argyle Theatre. Its archives are in the University of Sheffield. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper, somehwhat grubby and creased at foot of leaf. He begins by thanking him for an article in 'Reynolds', which 'will no doubt prove useful publicity when we come to stir up these War Damage bureaucrats to settle our claim'. (The theatre had been badly damaged by bombing in 1940, and would never reopen, being demolished in 1973.) He next turns to 'Children's Playtime', which has 'broken all attendance records in the Parks since the school holidays commenced.' He explains his 'theory that if you can attract the kids you automatically attract the adults'. 'I wish we could get a definite spot to try this out for next Christmas on big lines. I am more than ever convinced there is a fortune in it.' He ends with reference to 'Freeman' and 'Children's Hour' on the BBC.
Verlag: On 'Everybody's' letterhead 114 Fleet Street London. 20 December no year
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p., 8vo. On aged and creased paper. Lily Braytonis is a 'vague relative' of his, and she sends her 'good wishes [.] a propos the Chu Chin Chow article'. She would like to 'read through the relevant proofs' and Routh sends on her address. Brayton appeared in more than 2000 performances of 'Chu Chin Chow'. For more on Routh, see his obituary in the Independent, 8 June 2008.
Verlag: 9 Upper Fitzroy Street Fitzroy Square London 18 May, 1858
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p., 16mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, laid down on damaged leaf from album. At head, in another hand: 'for Saturday'. Reads: 'My dear Sir: | I shd. feel greatly obliged if you could without inconvenience to yr interest, give me a box, any night this week, to see King Lear.' At head is note in another hand (see below): 'for Saturday'. From the collection of Macqueen-Pope, who has written at the foot of the leaf on which the letter is mounted: 'To Chas Kean Princess's Theatre | Note at top, either by CK or Massingham the boxoffice m[ana]g[e]r.'.
Verlag: 16 March ; on letterhead of Ifan Kyrle Fletcher Rare Books 12 Lansdowne Road Wimbledon SW20 London, 1951
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers (see his entry in the Oxford DNB). 1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded once, with one dogeared corner. He thanks him for 'having mentioned my name in connection with the playbills, prints, etc., needed for the redecoration of the Whitbread house in Covent Garden'. He believes MP will be 'seeing my selection within the next few days', and hopes that, 'in general, you will approve of it'. He assumes that MP will be writing the booklet that accompanies the collection, and asks him to make a note 'for Miss Halford' of any item he'd like to see represented. 'I know, for instance, that there is nothing about the O.P. riots but I am already on the track of some posters.'.
Verlag: Maule's letter: 10 September ; from 'Kenya Colony / British East Africa' on letterhead of The Donovan Maule Players Nairobi. Carbon of Macqueen-Pope's reply: 15 September 1949; 359 Strand WC2 London, 1949
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) Both items in fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Pinned together. ONE: DM to MP. Signed 'Mollie and Donovan Maule. / (Mollie Shiells)', but the husband is clearly the author. 1p, 4to. Folded twice for postage. He thanks him for his 'inspiring book' on the Haymarket Theatre. 'My wife and I (both ex-Haymarket artists) feel inseminated ith fresh optimism and jope while battling with the municipal authorities and Kenya Government to establish the first professional theatre ever known here. To read of the early struggles and ultimate triumphs of many of The Little Theatre in the Hay's determined pioneers - people like the two Colmans, Webster, and Buckstone - has lifted our hearts and spurred us to fresh endeavour. A copy of this book shall be our daughter Annabel's Christmas-present this year.' He asks him to make a reference to the play 'Havoc' in future editions ('& it deserves to run into several'): 'I noticed its unintentional omission particularly because it was in that play that I made my first appearance at the Haymarket, where incidentally my wife beat me to it with "The Blue Bird" in 1910.' He ends with renewed thanks for 'a fine book'. TWO: MP to DM. 1p, 4to. Although the book has 'received a magnificent press it has done the least well of all my books, which I attribute to the fact that people today, if slightly interested in the Theatre as a whole have little interest in individual theatres - unless it is Drury Lane, for my history of that is a best seller. The next i[s] "Gaiety" - due next month, so we shall see. But "Carriages at Eleven" and "Twenty Shillings in the Pound" have sold like smoke.' He will take up DM's request with the publishers.
Verlag: 16 July ; on her letterhead, 1957
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
See her entry and his in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded for postage. Signed 'Ruby'. Begins: 'Popie, darling, / What are we coming to? / You - as a pierrot with the "Fol-de-Rols"! / BBC/TV must be mad not to let you do a talk on the St. James's. / But after the Gaiety fiasco I can believe anything of them. / Both Evadne & I have suggested you for the Lustgarten [broadcaster and crime writer Edgar Lustgarten] programme: "Crosstalk." / They are delighted [last word underlined] & will contact you.' She gives details of the 'present series' adding: 'They also want the names of Gaiety Girls who married out of the peerage & retired into the country, for another programme they are doing in the autumn, so I told them to ask you as I don't remember their names. / There was Phyllis (Barton, I think) & a Nancy (Taylor, I think) who were with us at the Saxone "do."' She ends with love to him and his wife Stella.
Verlag: 10 December ; 'c/o Canadian Bank of Commerce / Bridgetown / Barbados / B. West Indies', 1947
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. Air Mail letter, 2pp, 4to, written within a few months of his death. With large signature 'Matheson Lang', and addressed to 'My dear Pope'. Lightly-aged and worn, with slight damage from removal of postage stamp. Thirty-three lines of text, neatly-written and complete. He has just read MP's recently-published 'Carriages at Eleven', and feels he must 'write you a line to congratulate you on it, [.] It was a real feast, that brought back the early older days that seemed alas like a happy memory that is all too far away no under present conditions'. Lang found the book 'doubly interesting' to him 'as a young actor those days, just getting his foot on the ladder'. He asks where MP got 'the idea that the casting of "Paolo" by Sir George Alexander was a toss up between Ainley and me?' Lang 'never knew or thought' that he was 'being considered, although funnily enough when Benson played "Paolo & Francesca" on his tour during Alexanders run of the play', Lang 'was cast for "Paolo" and played it quite a lot during that tour'. A ten-line paragraph follows, containing personal news, with Lang and his wife (the actress Hutin Britton) 'jogging along in our quiet way in our "island fastness"'.
Verlag: No date or place London, 1947
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See the two men's entries in the Oxford DNB. MP is not named as the author, but there is no doubt that he is. Item one has corrections in his hand. Both versions are simply titled 'Will Fyffe'. The two versions exhibit a number of differences from one another. It is not clear where the obituary was published, but it was probably the London magazine 'Everybody's', for which MP contributed a weekly column. ONE: 4pp, 4to, double-spaced, on four leaves. Autograph corrections to first sentence, and an altogether more untidy effect (including an additional passage on the last page which is correctly positioned in the second draft below) suggest that this is an earlier draft. Begins: 'It was a freak [of fortune] that made Will Fyffe [into a] music hall [star] instead of remaining on the legitimate stage, where he had made his beginning as a small boy.' Contains information not present in the second version, including several astute assessments. For example: 'Unlike Sir Harry Lauder, the other great Scot of the Halls, Will Fyffe was a realist. He could create a character and be it. It was not Will Fyffe at whom you gazed, it was a gamekeeper, a centenarian, a Scots engineer on a steamship, a guard on the Highland Railway - finding a report of the Battle of Waterloo in the lining of his ill fitting cap, a country doctor, a real country bumpkin, the blacksmith at Gretna Green or the inebriated gentleman to whom Glasgow belonged on a Saturday night. He studied his types and he reproduced them magnificently. They were real people.' Other topics include his mastery of make-up, international popularity and 'magnificent service' in the First World War. TWO: 3pp, 4to, single-spaced, on three leaves. More polished than One, and with emendations, deletions and recasting. Ends: 'Our stage has lost one of its greatest artists and finest men. How fine an actor he was few knew, although one celebrated critic glimpsed it when he wrote "Mr Fyffe has a sob here of which Garrick had bee proud.'.
Verlag: 17 January ; The Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon London SW19 on letterhead of 'Clarkson Rose Productions Ltd. / Twinkle', 1952
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged and folded for postage. Addressed to 'My dear Popie' and signed 'Yours / Clarke' [sic]. In the previous year CR had published his autobiography 'With a Twinkle in my Eye', and he is now looking for an 'opinion' from MP that he can use for publicity purposes. 'I was so pleased with your letter that on reflection, I am writing to ask if you would be good enough to write me another with your opinion of my book.' He explains that he wouldn't have bothered MP had he not said that he enjoyed the book, 'and a line from you, he most famous of all biographers would be most valuable to me'. He doesn't want to come across as a 'bloody nuisance', but knows that his publishers 'would appreciate it'. He signs off, with reference to a notable theatre impressario: 'Yours, till Tom Arnold takes over Malaya'.
Verlag: 14 March ; 60 Christchurch Road Streatham Hill SW2 London, 1949
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers (see his entry in the Oxford DNB). 2pp, 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, and folded three times for postage. She asks him to send '3 or 4 more copies' of his 'nice write up in the "Sunday Chronicle" March 13th.', as she would like to send 'a copy to Australia, Canada & America, as there is some talk about my going to America in the near future'. She has 'tried all over Streatham and Brixton and it seems impossible to get a copy anywhere', and will be happy to pay the cost. She would 'also like to ask you if you could put me in touch with anyone who could write up my memoirs for me'.
Verlag: On letterhead of 'The Lawns' Arundel Road East amended in autograph to Arundel Drive Saltdean Essex. 26 August no year but between and 1954, 1948
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
2pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. After beginning 'Dear Popie / | How are you?' she asks what the 'immediate prospects' are for her to 'get a book and a series in the paper running', as she has 'scanned a tremendous amount of George's material' since moving to 'The Lawns'. In a postscript she describes the material as a 'wonderful story for T.V. too to say nothing about the films!', adding that she has 'got G. to record a lot of his old & recent material ready!' Macqueen-Pope was an admirer of Robey's, as his 'The Melodies Linger On: The Story of Music Hall' makes clear. The book was published in 1950, and as Blanche Robey's letter dates from around this time, it may be for this reason that he did not pick up on her hint that he write her husband's biography.
Verlag: 8 December ; on his letterhead 62 Langdale Gardens Hove Sussex, 1948
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 4to. Sixty lines of text. Aged and worn, but entirely legible. Signed 'H. F. Maltby' and addressed to 'My dear Pope'. Most of the letter concerns the tomb of 'Maggoty' Johnson: 'I first met that interesting old gentleman over forty years ago, when I was playing at the Theatre Royal Macclesfield with the late Mrs Bandman-Palmer. It was my landlady who advised me to visit the tomb as one of the objects of interest in the place. The tomb was then covered by a large stone on which was engraved all particulars of his death, [.] It then burst out into a very lengthy epitaph in doggerel'. He gives a facetious couplet from this, with the carved response of 'the local vicar'. 'I visited the grave again some twenty years later: but, alas! the iconoclasts, the vandals had been there with their cursed pocket knives and had carved their damned initials all over it - God rot hem! - and both stones were well night illegible.' He mentions a production of 'Madame Butterfly' at the Duke of York's, 'where it was put on as an afterpiece to Jeromes flop "Miss Hobbs" and kept that running for months and months after its alloted span, Jerome drawing his fees all the time, though the audiences were careful not to get to the theatre till "Miss Hobbs" had finished. The cast of "Butterfly" was the same as "Hobbs" - Evelyn Millward, Allen Aynesworth, Herbert Wareing, Cosmo Stuart (Gordon Lennox) it was there Pucchini (can't spell his name) saw it and decided [to] "operize" it. Also, didn't "Charley's Aunt" enjoy most of it's very long run at The Globe Theatre? It was where I saw it. I think it moved there from the Royalty.'.
Verlag: On his Old Bond Street letterhead. 30 November, 1949
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged. He begins by thanking Macqueen-Pope for a 'kindly reference' to him in his 'admirable book about The Gaiety'. He has noted a reference to 'Henly' in the index, and identifies this figure as Edward John Henley, brother of William Ernest Henley, whose poem 'Ballade of Dead Actors' he transcribes. He explains that Henley stayed some time in America after going there with a production of 'Deacon Brodie', a play by his brother and R. L. Stevenson, 'and, in 1897, I made my first production, "John Gabriel Borkman," in New York, with E. J. Henley in the title role'. He ends with a reference to 'Henley's magnificent imitation of Henry Irving in a Gaiety burlesque', the cause of 'a rumpus created by the great actor'.
Verlag: On his letterhead 5-6 Coventry Street W1. London 6 December, 1951
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with cropped margins. He begins by explaining that O'Donnell's letter has been sent to him 'from Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on the staff of which I am and whose whose [sic] historian I am too'. He continues: 'I fear a night vigil would be of little use so far as the Ghost is concerned. He is a day time visitant. Never yet has he been seen before 9 a.m. or after six p.m. Between those hours - frequently.' He refers O'Donnell to the 'full account' in his book 'Theatre Royal'. He has also written 'many articles' about the ghost, whose 'visitations are quite frequent although irregular.' His identity is unknown. 'All sorts of psychich [sic] societies have visited the theatre with me.' He concludes by stating that he will be happy to see O'Donnell when he is next in town.
Verlag: Without date or place
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers, and evidently received by him. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) Of Dunn an online source states: 'On the 10th of November 1917, the "Stage Gossip" feature in the Yorkshire Evening Post recounted the career of Finlay Dunn, a stage actor. According to the report, Dunn performed "as what he refers to as a stand-up comedian." [.] despite performing as a comedy piano act for the majority of his career, one of his favourite strands included joking about his large physical size, which was described as "good buffoonery in evening dress, with no accessories whatever".' In The Stage, September 1912, Dunn was described as 'manager and stage director'. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and folded once for postage. Dunn has affixed a portrait of himself, apparently cut out of a newspaper or magazine, to the head of the page. Beneath this he writes: 'I have a gift to write in rhyme / And though a Pro; think it no crime / To write & try to make folk laugh / With my idea of fun & chaff / Which I have done for many years / Spreading laughter, without tears / With one piano & one strong chair / Still fit to do so, anywhere / Maybe, you know me - Finlay Dunn / Telephone - Canonbury - 2801. / If not in, then wet or fine / Please leave particulars, with Miss Hine.'.
Verlag: ONE: 28 April ; from the Marine Hotel Hastings Barbados British West Indies. TWO: 15 October 1951; on letterhead of 11 Reddington Road Hampstead NW3 London, 1948
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität Signiert
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry, and that of Matheson Lang, in the Oxford DNB. As the latter states, Britton and Lang had married in 1903 (she had been an actress with him in the Benson company since 1901). They toured together in Lang's company, with Britton usually as his leading lady. 'In 1914 they helped to inaugurate Shakespeare productions at the Old Vic under Lilian Baylis, for which Lang personally lent costumes and scenery.' Britton was for many years a member of the Old Vic's governing board. Both items are signed 'N. Matheson Lang'. ONE: ALS, 28 April 1948. Air Mail letter on blue paper, with Marine Hotel letterhead. In fair condition, a little creased and aged, but with the postage stamp torn away, resulting in the loss of a few words of text. She begins by thanking him for his 'charming little letter of sympathy'. (Lang had died at Bridgetown, 11 April 1948.) She was greatly touched by his 'kind remembrance' of her husband. She is hoping 'Joan' has kept the 'home papers' for her. She describes her plans for her return in June or July: 'I am going to the rooms we had reserved at The Hendon Hall Hotel anyway to start with, till I can find myself as it was. One doesn't quite know what to try to do till one gets back. Life is indeed strange to me at the moment.' TWO: ALS, 15 October 1951. 1 October 1951. 1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded twice. She would 'so love just to shake you by the hand if you have a moment after your talk this evening, but you must let me know should it be inconvenient.' She ends 'With all kind memories'.
Verlag: 19 November 9 Courtfield Mews Courtfield Road SW5 London. On his letterhead, 1957
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
See the entries for Warner and Macqueen-Pope in the Oxford DNB. Such was the popularity of Warner's portrayal of George Dixon, that the Queen told him it had become part of 'the British way of life', and he was carried to his grave by six real officers from Paddington Green Police Station. LETTER: 1p, 4to. Folded twice. In good condition, lightly aged. Signature 'Jack.' and salutation to 'My dear Popie' in Warner's hand; the rest typed. Letterhead with his name. He is sending 'the long promised photos', delayed because he 'had to get some new prints of the "pipe" one. It is the character I play in the film, "Carve her name with Pride", with Virginia McKenna and Paul Schofield. / I look a bit scruffy but I think people get a bit fed up with "tidy" pictures, and anyway it is the character, and after all that is what matters.' He 'just got through the show' on the previous Saturday, before going 'home to bed with "flu". It was a very near thing and I have never felt more like chucking my hand in, but only because I could hardly think or see anybody. What we do for ART, eh? I'd like to meet this fellow Art one of these days.' In a postscript he states that his 'Indian doctor performed a miracle'. PHOTOGRAPH: 16 x 20.5 cm black and white print, with unobtrusive vertical crease. Inscribed 'To / A lifelong "FAN."' and 'With best wishes / Sincerely / Jack Warner / Sergt Dixon'. A smiling Warner, in the part of Police Sergeant George Dixon, stands in uniform with one hand on his desk. See image.
Verlag: 7 July and 19 June 1953. Both from 4 Primrose Hill Road NW3 London, 1952
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
See her entry and that of Macqueen-Pope in the Oxford DNB. The two items are in fair condition, on aged and lightly-worn paper. Both with the valediction and signature in a large flowing hand, and the second letter also with an autograph postscript. Both are 1p, 4to, and folded three times. ONE (7 July 1952): Addressed to 'Popie my dear' and with autograph valediction 'Yours always / Julia'. She has 'not been too well for over a year', and the previous year her 'stupid heart did foolish things', and she was 'ordered to bed for six weeks or more'. She is still 'not allowed to do too much'. She concludes: 'I suppose it is something to have lived to eighty-four, and it is not so easy to throw off things as when one was young. Still, I have had a very good innings, haven't I, and should be contented. I am.' TWO (19 June 1953): Addressed to 'Dear thoughtful Popie', with autograph valediction 'My love / Julia', with autograph postscript 'Everything seems "touched" in this letter!!!' (As the following indicates she uses the word 'touched' twice.) She was 'very touched by your very sweet and I must say flattering telegram to old Julia'. He was 'a dear to take the trouble to remember the eightyfive-year-old girl and she is always touched by the charming little compliments you pay her'. She hopes they will 'meet again soon at a little luncheon', and will arrange that later on.
Verlag: Arnold's six communications between and 1959; two on his Shaftesbury Avenue letterhead two others from the same address and two from 112 Jermyn Street London. Agreement: 15 April 1943. Poster: 1950 / 1951 Glasgow Alhambra, 1942
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry in the Oxford DNB. Eleven items, in fair overall condition, on lightly aged and creased paper. All six of Arnold's communications are signed 'Tom Arnold'. Arnold's two TLsS are dated 2 October 1942 and 23 July 1959. In the second of these (1p, landscape 8vo) he thanks MP for a producing a piece of writing which 'suits the mood': 'I appreciate your doing this, and the speed with which you tackled it for me. [.] And I am sending you my cheque, as you say "on friendship terms", which I also appreciate.' He hopes they will have lunch one day, 'and have a nice chat about this and that - to which I shall look forward.' The letter is accompanied by unsigned carbons of MP's receipt for payment (five guineas) for the work, and its covering letter, both typed and dated 24 July 1959. In the letter MP suggests a meeting, writing that he will be 'writing a book a[b]out the Palace [Theatre] and would like to do you justice therein and I have an idea which I think would be of interest to you, in another direction. Indeed, it might be just what you are looking for.' A note by Arnold of 4 January 1957 thanks MP 'for the material you sent me for the Lecture', and is accompanied by a carbon of a typed short biography (clearly by MP) of 'Tom Arnold', 1p, 4to. In it MP refers to Arnold as 'the very epitome of Show Business. Never before, in theatrical history, has one manager had so many or so varied interests. He is King of Pantomime, presenter of great circuses, theatre proprietor, revue, musical comedy and straight play producer. He runs an ice rink, he is the man whose amazingly beautiful and expert shows on ice dazzle - not only people in this [c]ountry - but all over the Continent, indeed, all over the world. He finds time to have a share in running piers at seaside resorts and also pleasure cruises. In other words he is a Napoleon of Show Business. And in his spare time he writes excellent short stories. And he has made Films as well.' In two of the other Arnold TNsS he thanks MP for telegrams wishing him good luck over his productions of 'The Glorious Days' (1952) and 'Over the Moon' (1953). The tenth item is a Memorandum of Agreement for MP to work as a press agent, between 'TOM ARNOLD LIMITED / and / W. J. MACQUEEN-POPE Esq.', dated 15 April 1943. 3pp, foolscap 8vo, typed and folded into the customary packet. Signed by 'Tom Arnold' (over a stamp) and 'Walter James Macqueen Pope'. The final item is a small poster for a Tom Arnold production of 'Cinderella', produced by Robert Nesbitt, at the Glasgow Alhambra. Text on one side in red and blue, with illustrations of the stars Harry Gordon, Alec Finlay, Robert Wilson and Duncan Macrae. Most of the other side is taken up with an attractive illustration of Cinderella and an old crone, printed in black, red and grey, with text at top left.
Verlag: Seven items all dating from 'Everybody's' magazine 114 Fleet Street London, 1950
Anbieter: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, Vereinigtes Königreich
Manuskript / Papierantiquität
From the Macqueen-Pope papers. See his entry, and that of Power, in the Oxford DNB. The seven items are in good condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Typed article titled 'The Other Tyrone Power / by / W. Macqueen-Pope.' Undated. 11pp, 4to, paginated 1-9, with two-page 'Inset'. With a few minor autograph emendations. Begins: 'At the present moment, Mr Tyrone Power, "in person", is appearing at the London Coliseum in a play called "Mr Roberts". [.] The fact is that there was another Tyrone Power, who was a very celebrated actor indeed in his time.' TWO: Another copy of Item One, but without any autograph emendations. THREE: Page proof of MP's article, stamped '19 AUG 1950 / EVERYBODY'S'. 1p, folio, with small square of paper with additional text attached at foot, and proof of a cartoon titled 'Ferrier's Searchlight (critical of Noel Coward's play 'Ace of Clubs'). FOUR: TLS to MP from Sidney Gordon, Features Editor. 1p, small 4to. He informs him that the editor 'Mr Poke' (Greville Poke, 1912-2000, who also has an Oxford DNB entry) 'would very much like to go ahead with it. / It would certainly tie-up with "Mister Roberts" and perhaps you would send the MS in to us as soon possible'. FIVE: Carbon of TL from MP to 'Mr. Gordon', 28 July 1950. He is enclosing the article, with suggestions for illustrations, including photos of the film star by Angus McBean. SIX: Typed acknowledgement of receipt of article 'The other Tyrone Power'. On printed envelope addressed to 'Macqueen Pope, Esquire., / 359 Strand, / W.C.2.' 1p, 12mo. SEVEN: Carbon of Typed Letter from MP to'Mrs Guthrie'. 3 October 1950. 1p, 4to. He is especially grateful to her for her informative letter, as he would 'like to put this actor who has been so neglected into some sort of proper recognition and remembrance'. He discusses the colour of Power's hair before concluding 'I know Mr Tyrone Guthrie but never knew of his connection with Power.' Postscript: 'Besides my work in the Theatre and at Drury Lane, I am a theatre historian with a fair amount of books to my credit.'.