Sullivan, Sir Arthur--Gilbert, Sir W.S.

SULLIVAN, ARTHUR. Six letters: 1) to “my dear Ryan”, thanking him for “kind sympathetic words” [on the death of his mother], 1 page, 1 Queen’s Mansions, London, 15 June 1882; 2) to Lady Cole, declining an invitation since “unfortunately, the University of Cambridge have fixed the 1 June for investing me with the full dignity of Doctor of Music”, 1 page, 8 Albert Mansions, London, 27 May 1876; 3) to Mrs Ward hoping to forward seats in the Albert Hall, 1 page, 1 Queen’s Mansions, London, 5 February 1886; 4) to “Charlie” noting departure to Contrexeville and asking for the recipient to “jot down your plot, and send it to me… No harm can come of that, can it?”, 1 page, 1 Queen’s Mansions, London, 16 July 1891; 5) a letter signed to W[alter] Sichel, explaining that he has “no influence to bring to bear in the matter”, 2 pages, 2 Queen’s Mansions, London, 9 March 1895, remnants of former mount; 6)  to “Mr Stow”, asking for permission to “rearrange the harmony” in “Mr Tudor’s little tune”, 1 page, Eastwood Park, Falfield, n.d., laid-down, together with: a document signed (and cancelled) regarding debentures in the Savoy Hotel, 1 page, [n.d.]



GILBERT, W.S. Eighteen letters, including 1) to [Stenermann?] enclosing “a box for the St. James” and noting “it is quite useless to give you an order for the Royalty, as there is no room whatever in the house” [presumably referring to Trial by Jury], 2 pages, 8 Essex Villas, London, 14 May [1875?], some folds; 2) - 12) a series of eleven letters to Meemie [Compton], giving his views on an argument that had caused her to leave his house (“…I looked upon you as so intimate a friend that I did not suppose it was necessary to address you with the circumspection which one observes towards a mere acquaintance, and I disclaimed, as I now disclaim, all idea of having acted rudely or neglectfully towards you…”), declining an invitation (“I’m not as fond of actors and actresses as some people are…”), commenting on “people who get commissions in crack regiments”, thanking the recipient “for the Mikado bill. I saw the piece at Carlsbad fifteen years ago – it was not well done then”, commenting on his relationship with Helen D’Oyly Carte (“My relations with Mrs Carte are so strained that I cannot bring myself to buy stall from her as I usually do – but I have written to the Acting Manager to ask him to reserve two stalls for you… If you will be good enough to pay for them I will pay you again…”), inviting her to visit (“…my wife will be there, so the voice of scandal will be hushed…”), thanking her for her congratulations [on his knighthood], and giving advice about “an ‘amicable’ separation”, 19 pages, 39 Harrington Gardens, London, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald and 90 Eaton Square, London, 1888-1911; 13) to [William Backhouse Fabian], stating that the cast for Trial by Jury is “quite satisfactory”, 1 page, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald, 11 November 1896; 14) ALS to Brandon Thomas, asking him to visit early as “I am to be subjected to the tender mercies of a masseuse”, 2 pages, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald, 5 October 1900, remnants of former mount; 15) to Alfred Murray, agreeing to inscribe a photograph, 1 page, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald, 17 July 1903; 16) to Seymour Hicks, thanking the recipient for “your more than cordial congratulations” and asking “may I write as I feel + say ‘Love to your wife’?”, 1 page, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald, 30 June 1907, former mount; 17) - 18) to Miss Amy Brandon Thomas making an arrangements for the recipient to visit, 2 pages, Grim’s Dyke, Harrow Weald and 90 Eaton Square, 12 June 1909 – 15 March 1911; --



D'OYLY CARTE, RICHARD. ALS to Mr Ponsonby Fane expressing gratitude for a note and “for your friendly support”, 1 page, Savoy Theatre, London, 28 May 1883; [together with] Printed announcement 'To the Public' regarding the Savoy Theatre, 4 pages, 6 October 1881, with original pencil sketch of the theatre’s seating arrangement and two diagrams of light fittings, former mount--

BARRINGTON, RUTLAND.  to J.W. O’Connor asking for a photograph not to be published, 2 pages, Savoy [Theatre], London, [n.d.], former mount--

BURNAND, F.C. Memorandum signed to a potential contributor to Punch and noting “anything sharp and short likewise quite up to date acceptable”, 2 pages, 27 The Boltons, London, 25 November 1892--




PONSONBY, HENRY. ALS to George Tanze enclosing a playbill of “tonight’s performance” of The Gondoliers (at Windsor Castle) (playbill no longer present), 1 page, Windsor Castle, 17 March 1891 (30)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."