Autograph Collection: Davis collection

Description

Volume (formerly A3) of 138 folios (its binding stamped 'Esther Davis') with some 700 autograph letters, cut-out signatures, printed ephemera bearing autograph signatures, and other signed miscellanea pasted therein. Some obituaries (mainly of those dying in the 1880s and 1890s) have also been included at appropriate points as have relevant photographs or engravings, 'In Memoriam' cards and other printed matter (theatre programmes etc.).

For index of signatures, see DR1136/1/6 (facsimile).

Among important unique items not easily identifiable in the index are:

ff. 13v-14: two playbills, Theatre Royal, Hull, 1799

f. 14v: playbill, Theatre, Swansea, 1795

f.34: sketches by George Henschel, ?1879

f. 40: notes by Lionel Baron Rothschild, on the back of a printed notice of an amateur dramatic performance at St George's Hall, Langham Place, in aid of funds for the Jewish Convalescent Home at South Norwood, 1879

f. 41v: bill, William Pass to the Worshipful Company of Surgeons, 1786

f. 49v: contracts for engagement of Madame [Lucy Elizabeth] Vestris at the Theatre Royal Italien at Paris and the Kings Theatre or Opera House, London, 1816-1817

f. 61: pencil sketch by William Westall, 1839

f.135: sketch by Edward Burne-Jones, n.d.