CHARLEY'S AUNT PENLEY (William Sidney, 1852-1912, the first 'Charley's Aunt')

Delightful group of 9 items associated with Penley, 1894 -

1. Large Globe Theatre Souvenir Calendar for 1895 'on attaining her 2nd Birthday', 13 sides 12" x 9½", Raphael Tuck, 21st December 1894. With a cover portrait photograph of 'Charley's Aunt' by T.C. Turner. The months show Penley in character from 8 other plays, then Brandon Thomas (1856-1914, the play's author, who took the part in later revivals), Penley, the full company on stage, and a complete set of facsimile signatures. Inscribed 'Marion Pilcher from Uncle'. (A little worn, holes for ribbon defective).
2, 3 and 4. Cabinet photos by T.C. Turner of Charley's Aunt in costume, Penley in evening dress, and the scene where Jack introduces Charley's Aunt to his fair visitors, the first two inscribed and signed "from your affectionate Uncle".
5. Lady's silver heart-shaped box 2" x 2" x 1" and
6. Gentleman's silver match-box 1¾" x 1½" x ½", both embossed with Charley's Aunt's head and shoulders, both with natural patina, and inscribed 'From Charley's Aunt, 21st December 1895', by Walker & Hall, Sheffield, with Sheffield hallmark, and according to an accompanying note "given to members of the audience".
7. 2 imitation playing cards, with Penley as the Queen, advertising "the FOURTH year of its Run at the Globe Theatre ... Still Running all over the Globe". (At one time it was running simultaneously in 48 theatres in 22 languages).
8. Masonic Entertainment Programme (The Lyric Lodge, W.S. Penley W.M.), in the form of a silk banner, 11" x 5", held at the Great Queen Street Theatre (later the Kingsway), of which Penley had been manager 1900-1901, 31st December 1904.
9. Cuttings, including a printed account c. 1886 of Penley's upbringing and career, and his appearance as 'The Private Secretary', a postcard of Broadstairs (his birthplace), an account by Oscar Browning of Penley when he was in the Footlights and at King's Cambridge, and a notice of the Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds, where Charley's Aunt was first performed, 21st December 1892. Browning recalls Penley's fine singing, and how Madame de Staël was similarly impersonated at Christ Church !
Provenance: Penley's niece Marion W. Dawson, née Pilcher; her daughter, Marion E. Dawson.

Item Date:  1912

Stock No:  50755      £750

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