Langtry, Lillie
Rare Books, Maps & Manuscripts
Auction: 15 January 2014 at 11:00 GMT
Description
Autograph letter signed from Lillie Langtry to playwright and lyricist, B.C. Stephenson, 1900 (but undated), on 2 sides of notepaper, 25x15cm, headed 15.Tedworth.Square.S.W., the letter refers to Stephenson and Troubridge's play, A Great Lady, with Langtry requesting that she be considered for the play, the letter is signed Lillie de Bathe, referring to her husband at the time, Hugo Gerald de Bathe; [Idem] Autograph letter signed from Lillie Langtry to 'Mr Ford' (assumedly critic in the Chronicle Telegraph), with franked envelope dated 1903, written on 2 sides of headed notepaper from The Alvin Theatre, Pittsburgh, 27.5x21cm, the letter thanks Mr Ford for his "kindly criticisms" (2)
Footnote
Note: The Channel Island born Emilie Charlotte Le Breton, or Lillie Langtry as she was popularly known, was a well-known actress in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She impressed society with her ability to enchant and became mistress to the Prince of Wales between 1877 and 1880. Early in her career, Langtry discovered that theatrical touring in North America could be both exciting and profitable - it was her connections, rather than her acting, which fascinated the crowds. The letter to Stephenson was written at the end of 1900, when Langtry became lessee and manager of the Imperial Theatre in London. She also successfully secured the role in A Great Lady.