Autograph letter signed from Sir John Martin-Harvey to R. E Bowen-Coulthurst regarding Ellen Terry's plans for a Henry Irving museum, and the actor's statue [manuscript], 1907 Feb 1.
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Title
Autograph letter signed from Sir John Martin-Harvey to R. E Bowen-Coulthurst regarding Ellen Terry's plans for a Henry Irving museum, and the actor's statue [manuscript], 1907 Feb 1.
Description
1 letter
Associated name
Martin-Harvey, John, Sir, 1863-1944, correspondent.
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
Item Details
Call number
FAST ACC 271888 (flat)
Folger-specific note
Purchase made possible by The Ann Jennalie Cook Acquisitions Fund. From dealer's description: "John Martin Harvey [ Sir John Martin-Harvey ] (1863-1944), English actor with Sir Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre [ R. E. Bowen-Coulthurst, Secretary to the Earl of Aberdeen ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Martin Harvey') to R. E. Bowen-Coulthurst [Secretary to Earl of Aberdeen], regarding Ellen Terry's plans for a Henry Irving museum, and the actor's statue. On letterhead of 30 Avenue Road, N.W. [ London ] 1 February 1907. 3pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. The letter begins: 'Please tell his Excellency [the Earl of Aberdeen, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland] that when the question of a memorial to Sir Henry Irving was laid before a meeting of our profession Miss Terry suggested that the memorial should take the form of a museum such as is outlined in the papers you send me. This suggestion, however, was withdrawn in deference to the feeling of the meeting and it was agreed that the memorial should take the form of a Statue. Miss Terry announced that she was still proceeding with her scheme - not, I imagine, as a Memorial to Sir Henry Irving, but as an Institution which she feels, & I think most of us feel, is a need.' The meeting decided to proceed with a memorial statue to Irving, and this is 'practically accomplished as far as funds are concerned, nearly £2000 having been already subscribed & Mr. Brock R.A. has accepted the commission to produce it in bronze.' (The statue by Sir Thomas Brock is sited in Charing Cross Road, near the National Portrait Gallery.) Harvey explains that 'Subscriptions were confined to members of our own calling, to avoid any possibility of the need of a statue being called in question by any member of the general public, & an risk of success being run.' Returning to 'Miss Terry's idea of a Museum' he explains that it is 'quite apart from all this. I think his Excellency will agree that such an Institution would deserve his invaluable support, & I am sure we should all feel grateful and proud to have his distinguished interest.' He concludes the letter by stating that his wife 'would like to know at Lady Aberdeen's leisure' whether she received the letter she sent, 'on the subject of some enquiries she has been making at her Excellency's suggestion'." Ordered from: Richard Ford, D9142, 2017-11-02, email quote.
Folger accession
271888