Victorian Theater Celebrities Woodburytype Album, approximately 1875-1885
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Collection
- Historical Background
- Content Description
- Use of the Collection
- Administrative Information
-
Detailed Description of the Collection
- Marie Litton, circa 1875-1885
- Violet Cameron also known as Violet Lydia Thompson, circa 1890s
- Marie Litton Robertson, circa 1875-1885
- Ellen Terry, circa 1875-1885
- Sarah Bernhardt, circa 1879
- Howard Vernon, circa 1875-1885
- Francis Cowley Burnand, circa 1875-1885
- Henry James Byron, circa 1875-1885
- George Grossmith, circa 1879
- William Hunter Kendal, circa 1875-1885
- Sarah Bernhardt costumed as Doña Maira de Neubourg, circa 1879
- Leonora Braham, circa 1875-1885
- Ellen Terry, circa 1875-1885
- Madge Robertson Kendal, circa 1875-1885
- Lillie Langtry, circa 1875-1885
- Fannie Leslie, circa 1875-1885
- Fanny Mary Bernard-Beere, circa 1875-1885
- Margaret Leighton, circa 1875-1885
- Lilian Adelaide Neilson, circa 1875-1885
- Henry Irving, 1879
- Hermann Vezin, circa 1875-1885
- Harry B. Conway (H.B. Conway), circa 1875-1885
- Thomas Henry Gartside Neville, circa 1879
- William Rignold, circa 1879
- John T. Raymond also known as John O'Brien, circa 1875-1885
- Edward O'Connor Terry, Edward William Royce Reddall, Catherine Candelon, Nellie Farren, circa 1875-1885
- William Farren, circa 1875-1885
- Charles Warner, circa 1875-1885
- Florence St. John costumed as Olivette, circa 1880
- Madge Robertson Kendal, 1879
- Geneviève Ward, circa 1879
- Helena Modjeska, circa 1877
- Marion Terry, circa 1875-1885
- Blanche Henri, circa 1879
- Richard Temple, Frank J. Thornton, James Durward Lely, circa 1881
- Lillian Adelaide Neilson, 1879
- Lottie Venne, circa 1879
- Amy Roselle, circa 1875-1885
- Bella Pateman, circa 1875-1885
- Emily Fowler, circa 1875-1885
- John Lawrence Toole, circa 1879
- Henry Irving, circa 1878
- John Lawrence Toole, circa 1880
- William Hunter Kendal, circa 1878
- Charles Fechter as Hamlet, circa 1860-1870
- Sir John Hare originally known as John Joseph Fairs, circa 1879
- Edward O'Connor Terry, circa 1879
- William Jermyn Florence, circa 1880s
- Violet Cameron also known as Violet Lydia Thompson, circa 1875-1885
- Ellen Lancaster Wallis, circa 1879
- Names and Subjects
Overview of the Collection
- Photographer
- Lock & Whitfield, London
- Title
- Victorian Theater Celebrities Woodburytype Album
- Dates
- approximately
1875-1885 (inclusive)18701890
- Quantity
- 50 photographs in album (1 box) : Woodburytype prints
- Collection Number
- PH0098
- Summary
- Album of Woodburytype photographs of Victorian actors and actresses, many with signatures and inscriptions
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access to original photographs restricted. Permission of curator required for viewing. Contact Special Collections for more information.
- Languages
- English
Historical Background
Walter Bentley Woodbury (1834-1885) patented his Woodburytype process in 1864, as a means of mass producing photographic prints to be used in book illustrations and magazines. Woodbury was able to develop a process using non-light-sensitive materials to produce highly detailed prints which appear very similar to silver based photographs, but that do not fade over time. The quality of the pictures was remarkable, with no grain, and the process was widely used until the turn of the century. The process was expensive and later replaced by other processes, such as photogravure, collotype, and offset lithography.
The process for making a Woodburytype print was first to spread a thick layer of light sensitized gelatin mixed with carbon pigment onto a glass sheet. A photograph negative was then laid over it and exposed to light. After the exposure, it was washed and the unhardened (unexposed) gelatin washed away. This left a thick layer of gelatin in the darker areas and a thinner layer in the lighter areas of the image. This was hardened and dried before being put in a press with a lead sheet, to produce a matching indentation in the lead. A translucent mixture of pigments suspended in warm gelatin was poured onto this relief surface and this pigment layer was then transferred onto paper. The thick and thin areas of gelatin, along with the white of the paper produce a wide range of tones. The thickness and translucency of the pigment layer provides a kind of color that a conventional flat deposit of ink cannot achieve.
During the Victorian period, the stage produced celebrities similar to movie stars today. Americans had more leisure time and better standards of living, and they looked to the theater to provide entertainment. The expanding transportation system in the United States allowed actors and actresses to tour the country, bringing professional theater to many towns and cities that had never before experienced it. As the population of the country grew, the number of theaters in large and mid-size cities grew as well. Strongly influenced by London theater, America inherited the "star system" from Great Britain. Stock theater companies were established in large cities on the East Coast and in New Orleans. The cast was then supplemented by visiting theatrical stars, who toured the country. Stock companies were self-sufficient and mounted productions on their own when no star was visiting, but by the 1840s, so many stars were touring the United States that most companies were rarely without the services of at least one well-known actor or actress. Some of the most famous performers were Ellen Terry, Edward Terry, and Marion Terry, W. H. Kendal and Madge Robertson Kendal, Lillie Langtry, Helena Modjeska, Lillian Adelaide Neilson, J. L. Toole, and Violet Cameron.
The presentation album includes the Woodburytype prints that were originally released in a monthly magazine titled The Theatre: A Monthly Review and Magazine published by Wyman & Sons, London. This magazine produced articles regarding dramatic criticism, reviews of theatrical performances from around Europe and updates as to where popular actors and actresses were and what productions or companies they were currently involved in. The Woodburytype prints appeared in a segment titled "Portraits" that focused on individual actors and actresses and included a brief biography of the performer, their past repertoire and theatrical reviews. The presentation album pages have gold frames to highlight the picture and the inscription that are from various volumes and series of this magazine.
Content Description
A presentation album containing 50 Woodburytype photographs and accompanying autographs of famous Victorian stage actors and actresses. The photographs were made in the late 1870s and early 1880s.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative Information
Custodial History
Originally donated to University of Washington School of Drama Library. Transferred to Special Collections at an unknown time.
Acquisition Information
Gift of John L. Scott
Processing Note
Processed by Laura Pasztor, 2005, and Megan Peacock, 2006; revised by Stefanie Terasaki, 2012.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Description: Marie Litton
Inscribed below photo: Very truly yours. Marie Litton.
Marie Litton was an actress and theatre manager of St. James and Royal Court theatres in London.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 1 -
Description: Violet Cameron also known as Violet Lydia Thompson
Inscribed below photo: "I Miss My Turkey's "Glon Glon," "The Mascotte - Violet Cameron.
Violet Cameron (1862-1919) began her career as a child performer in 1871 and as an adult, performed in the British and American stage theatre.
Dates: circa 1890sContainer: Album 1, Item 2 -
Description: Marie Litton Robertson
Inscribed below: Can one desire too much of a good thing? As You Like It
Marie Litton was an actress and theatre manager of St. James and Royal Court theatres in London. She married Wybrow Robertson.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 3 -
Description: Ellen Terry
Inscribed below: Come Merchant have you anything to say? Portia- Ellen Terry
Ellen Terry was a prominent Bristish Shakespearean stage actress. One of her most famous roles was Portia from the Merchant of Venice.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 4 -
Description: Sarah Bernhardt
Sarah Bernhardt was a French stage and film actress known for her dramatic roles and acting.
Inscribed below: Brilliant
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No. 11, New Series. Photographed by Melandri, Paris.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 5 -
Description: Howard Vernon
Howard Vernon was a comedic actor who later turned to singing and performing in operettas.
Inscribed below: Very Truly Yours
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 6 -
Description: Francis Cowley Burnand
A comedic playwright and author, Francis Burnand was an important contributor to the satirical magazine, Punch.
Inscribed below: [ill.] (greeting?) - F.C. Burnand
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 7 -
Description: Henry James Byron
Henry James Byron was a British playwright, journalist and director.
Inscribed below: Yours Sincerely, Mr. Byron
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 8 -
Description: George Grossmith
George Grossmith was a comedian and actor as well as a composer of musical comedies.
Inscribed below: Yours Faithfully.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No.16, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 9 -
Description: William Hunter Kendal
W.H. Kendal was a theater manager and comedic actor. He and his wife Madge Kendal often worked together.
Inscribed below: Thou art the last friend left me upon Earth. The Falcon. Count Federigo.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 10 -
Description: Sarah Bernhardt costumed as Doña Maira de Neubourg
Inscribed below: in Ruy Blas.
Signed as Mdlle. Bernhardt.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No. 11, New Series. Photographed by Melandri, Paris.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 11 -
Description: Leonora Braham
Leonora Braham was an opera singer and an actress.
Inscribed below: I can not tell what this love can be, That cometh to all but not to me. Patience.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 12 -
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 13
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Description: Madge Robertson Kendal
Madge Kendal was known for her acting in comedic and Shakespearian roles.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 14 -
Description: Lillie Langtry
Lillie Langtry was a stage actress and singer.
Inscribed below: Still as a barmaid.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 15 -
Description: Fannie Leslie
Inscribed below: Another notch to mark another day, Ah me! unlike this knife time cuts away. Robinson Crusoe.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 16 -
Description: Fanny Mary Bernard-Beere
Fanny Bernard-Beere was a stage actress.
Inscribed below: Trust me I could do much- Desdemona.
Signed as F. Bernard- Beere.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 17 -
Description: Margaret Leighton
Margaret Leighton, later Mrs. Margaret Alcott, was an actress.
Inscribed below: The lyfe so short, the craft so long to lerne, Th’essay so hard, so sharpe the conquering. Chaucer.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 18 -
Description: Lilian Adelaide Neilson
Lilian Adelaide Neilson, also recognized as Adelaide Neilson, was an English stage actress who after many years of success in London moved to the American stage in 1872.
Inscribed below: Addio! Mio Caro.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 19 -
Description: Henry Irving
Henry Irving was a stage actor known for his style of managing a theater. He was the first actor to be knighted and worked often with actress Ellen Tracy.
Inscribed below: How like a fawning publican he looks! Shylock, 1879.
Dates: 1879Container: Album 1, Item 20 -
Description: Hermann Vezin
Hermann Vezin was an American actor and speech teacher. He acted primarily on the British stage after moving to London.
Inscribed below: Yours Sincerely.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 21 -
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 22
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Description: Thomas Henry Gartside Neville
Henry Neville was an actor and theater manager and was well known for his roles in melodramas. He also opened an acting school circa 1878 and wrote a book on the theater.
Inscribed below: Truly yours.
Signed as Henry G. Neville.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No. 13, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 23 -
Description: William Rignold
William Rignold and brother George Rignold were famous for switching roles mid production due to their similar appearance and voice. William Rignold later traveled to Dublin where he would continue his acting career to much success. He returned to London where his eventual loss of sight would end his acting career.
Inscribed below: Yours Faithfully.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No. 17, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 24 -
Description: John T. Raymond also known as John O'Brien
John T. Raymond was an American actor known for his comedic roles. Here he is pictured in costume for the role of Colonel Mulberry Sellers for a stage production of Mark Twain's Gilded Age circa 1874. He changed his name from John O'Brien to John T. Raymond in later years.
Inscribed below: There’s Millions in it. Col. Mulberry Sellers.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 25 -
Description: Edward O'Connor Terry, Edward William Royce Reddall, Catherine Candelon, Nellie Farren
These actors were working at the Gaiety Theatre in London starting in 1876. They were known for their comedic roles as well as their musical burlesque performances. Nellie Farren often played the young male role in such productions while the acting style of the others was known for its eccentricity.
Inscribed below: We are a merry family.
Signed as Edward Terry, E.W. Royce, Kate Vaughan and E. Farren.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 26 -
Description: William Farren
William Farren was a stage actor known for his roles as the old-man. His son William Farren would later be the father of Nellie Farren.
Inscribed below: Faithfully yours.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 27 -
Description: Charles Warner
Charles Warner was an actor who became popular after his acclaimed role in Drink in 1879.
Inscribed below: Yours Very Truly.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 28 -
Description: Florence St. John costumed as Olivette
Florence St. John was a muscial burlesque and operetta singer.
Inscribed below: Indeed! and on whose testimony? Olivette. Yours very truly.
Dates: circa 1880Container: Album 1, Item 29 -
Description: Madge Robertson Kendal
Inscribed below: My daily-fading Florio, it is thou hast set me this hard task. The Lady Giovianna. Madge Kendal 1879.
The inscription is from The Falcon by Alfred Tennyson.
Dates: 1879Container: Album 1, Item 30 -
Description: Geneviève Ward
Geneviève Ward was a operatic soprano and later a stage actress. In 1921 she became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Inscribed below: There would be no place in creation for such women as I, if it were not for such men as you. Stephanie, Marquise de Mohrivart. Forget me not.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No. 4, Third Series. Photographed by Samuel A. Walker.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 31 -
Description: Helena Modjeska
Helena Modjeska was an actress known for her roles in tragedies as well as for her Shakespearian roles. In 1876 she came the United States with her husband and debuted in San Francisco and New York in 1877 in Adrienne Lecouvreur by Ernest Legouvé.
Inscribed below: How good they are to like me so (Adrienne).
Dates: circa 1877Container: Album 1, Item 32 -
Description: Marion Terry
Like her sister, Ellen Terry, Marion Terry was an actress. She performed in many performances including those written by Oscar Wilde.
Inscribed below: Yours Truly.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 33 -
Description: Blanche Henri
Inscribed below: Yours very truly.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No. 14, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 34 -
Description: Richard Temple, Frank J. Thornton, James Durward Lely
Inscribed below: We are indeed jolly utter. Patience, or Bunthornes Bride.- Rich. Temple, Frank J. Thronton, Durward Lely.
The three actors are in their roles for the Opera Comique Patience or Bunthornes Bride by Gilbert and Sullivan. Richard Temple as the Colonel Calverley, Frank Thornton as Major Murgatroyd and Durward Lyall as the Duke.
Dates: circa 1881Container: Album 1, Item 35 -
Description: Lillian Adelaide Neilson
Inscribed below: Yours Sincerely- Adelaide Neilson.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No.8, New Series. Photographed by Lock and Whitfield, London.
Dates: 1879Container: Album 1, Item 36 -
Description: Lottie Venne
Lottie Venne started her career at the Strand Theatre and was a musical burlesque performer who later took on more comedic roles.
Inscribed below: Yours Truly.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No.15, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 37 -
Description: Amy Roselle
Amy Roselle was an actress known for her Shakespearian roles. She married Arthur Dacre and the two traveled together around Britian, Australia and the United States performing together in productions.
Inscribed below: Yours very truly.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 38 -
Description: Bella Pateman
Bella Pateman was married to Robert Pateman the comedic actor.
Inscribed below: Yours Truly.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 39 -
Description: Emily Fowler
Emily Fowler was an actress and theater manager who started her career in muscial burlesque.
Inscribed below: Very truly yours.
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 40 -
Description: John Lawrence Toole
Toole was a comedic actor and theater manager. He opened his own theater in 1879 and became the producer of its many performances.
Inscribed below: Yours very truly- J.L. Toole
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No.15, New Series. Photographed by T. (Thomas) Cranfield and Co., Dublin.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 41 -
Description: Henry Irving
Inscribed below: Yours Sincerely.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No. 1, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield.
Dates: circa 1878Container: Album 1, Item 42 -
Description: John Lawrence Toole
Inscribed below: This is uppercrust indeed. Barnaby Doublechick. -J.L. Toole.
Here he is costumed as Barnaby Doublechick from Henry James Byron's comedy, The Upper Crust.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No.6, Third Series. London Stereoscopic Company (Photo & Woodburytype).
Dates: circa 1880Container: Album 1, Item 43 -
Description: William Hunter Kendal
Inscribed below with his signature, W.H. Kendal.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No. 2, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1878Container: Album 1, Item 44 -
Description: Charles Fechter as Hamlet
Charles Fechter was a sculptor turned actor in 1846. In 1861 he took on the role of Hamlet that was met with mixed reviews. He made his first American appearance in New York in 1870. Circa 1874 Fechter married Lizzie Price even though he had a pre-existing marriage to a woman in London from 1847. Fechter died in 1875.
Inscribed below: Chas. Fechter.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre, No. 14, New Series. From a photograph by Boning & Small, Baker Street, London.
Dates: circa 1860-1870Container: Album 1, Item 45 -
Description: Sir John Hare originally known as John Joseph Fairs
John Hare was a stage actor and theatre manager of the Garrick Theatre in London.
Inscribed below: You're drunk sir. Queen's shilling - Col Grant.
Hare is costumed as Colonel Grant from George William Godfrey's The Queen's Shilling.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 46 -
Description: Edward O'Connor Terry
Edward Terry was both a comedic and dramatic actor. He is famous for his musical burlesques that he performed at the Gaiety Theatre in London and for opening his own theater in 1887.
Inscribed below: Yours Sincerely- Edward Terry.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No.6, New Series. Photographed by Lock & Whitfield, London.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 47 -
Description: William Jermyn Florence
W.J. Florence was an actor and playwright who originally performed his role as Hon. Bardwell Slote alongside his wife. He originally was named William Jermyn Conlin and changed his name to Florence. He is also known for his role in co-founding the Shriners.
Inscribed below: I am yours by a large majority. Mighty Dollar, Act 2.- W.J. Florence.
Here Florence is costumed as Honorary Bardwell Slote from Benjamin E. Woolf's play The Mighty Dollar.
Dates: circa 1880sContainer: Album 1, Item 48 -
Dates: circa 1875-1885Container: Album 1, Item 49
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Description: Ellen Lancaster Wallis
Inscribed below: Very Truly.
Text not shown on front but found on another version: The Theatre No. 9, New Series.
Dates: circa 1879Container: Album 1, Item 50
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Actors--19th century--Autographs
- Actors--19th century--Photographs
- Actresses--19th century--Autographs
- Actresses--19th century--Photographs
- Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)
- Woodburytype--Specimens
