Small collection of manuscript items,

(Theatre.) TREE (Eleanora [Ellen], 'Mrs. Charles Kean')

Small collection of manuscript items,

including a clipped signature, an ALs and a clipped signature of Charles Kean, and 4 examples of fan mail, including an autograph poem (not signed) by John Quincy Adams.

Description: together 7 pieces, on various papers, 8vo and 4to, Ellen Tree's (i.e. before her marriage to Charles Kean in 1842) signature clipped from the foot of a letter ('Yours ever'), Charles John Keane's full signature mounted on an album leaf, 2 of the fan letters from the US (Washington and Philadelphia), a 3rd possibly so, 4th from Derby

Publication Details: c. 1837-45

Notes: 'Ellen Tree then went to America, and opened on 12 December 1836 at the Park Theatre, New York, as Rosalind, which she followed by Viola, Beatrice, and other established roles. She acted nightly at the Park and toured major cities, from Boston to New Orleans, drawing crowded houses and enthusiastic reviews. She returned to England in 1839 with £12,000 profit... Early portraits show that Ellen Kean was not conventionally pretty, but she was generally considered beautiful. From the stage her features were strong and expressive. Her aquiline nose was offset by large flashing eyes, abundant brown...more'Ellen Tree then went to America, and opened on 12 December 1836 at the Park Theatre, New York, as Rosalind, which she followed by Viola, Beatrice, and other established roles. She acted nightly at the Park and toured major cities, from Boston to New Orleans, drawing crowded houses and enthusiastic reviews. She returned to England in 1839 with £12,000 profit... Early portraits show that Ellen Kean was not conventionally pretty, but she was generally considered beautiful. From the stage her features were strong and expressive. Her aquiline nose was offset by large flashing eyes, abundant brown hair, full lips, and a dazzling smile. She stood 5 feet 4 inches tall, was slender and graceful, with a resonant, musical, and emotively expressive voice. Her unique laugh could set audiences into gales, even from offstage in Much Ado about Nothing' (ODNB). John Quincy Adams was an admirer: he addressed some adulatory verses to her, published in the New York Mirror on July 14th 1838: what we have here are the verses as they were presented to her at the theatre. The leaf is folded like a letter, and the address panel simply reads To Miss Ellen Tree (i.e. it was not posted). Adams was fond of writing verses, especially to young ladies.In Charles Kean's letter he hopes to arrange a Private Box for Miss Kenney, as he 'wish[es] to oblige Miss Kenney if possible.' HIDE

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Price: £1,500

Subject: Literature

Published Date: c. 1837-45

Stock Number: 64433

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