FORTESCUE (May, 1862-1950, Actress, Singer, Actress-Manager and protégé of playwright W. S. Gilbert)

Autograph Letter Signed to Sydney PAXTON, (1860-1930, Actor, son of the Revd. E. Paxton Hood, 1830-1908), in her large and interesting hand, saying she is "not as yet making any arrangements' for my company, as I want my plays to be more forward ... But when my plans are exactly settled I will write you to come and see me", she has "entirely escaped the 'blight' for that is what we call it", and hopes he has "done the same", 2 sides 4to., 69 St Ermin's Mansions, Victoria Street, London, no date, circa light trace of tab in one blank corner

May Fortescue, a noted beauty, began her career with the D'Oyly Carte Company in 1881. In 1884, helped by Gilbert, she received £10,000 for breach of promise of marriage, with which she started her own company. Her address is interesting - in 1896-1898 the mansions were converted to the present Hotel. In WWII it was a centre of secret intelligence, where the 'Cambridge' Double Agents are known to have worked.

Item Date:  1890

Stock No:  55964      £165

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