This real photo postcard features British actor and theater manager, Lewis Waller (1860-1915). The photo shows Waller in costume for the production of “Robinhood”. After performing with a few theater companies, Waller entered the late 1880’s as an actor who played romantic leads in both Shakespeare and popular dramatic stage productions. He was a hit with the ladies and had a large vocal fan club. He managed theaters and theater tours from the 1885 through after the turn of the century. Waller achieved success in playing title roles in Booth Tarkington’s “Monsieur Beaucaire” and Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Brigadier Gerard”. However, Waller preferred acting in plays by Shakespeare. Waller was born in Spain but educated in London. He studied languages in Europe and for four years worked as a clerk in a London firm. In 1882 he married Florenc Isabella Brandon who became an actress under the name of Florence West. Waller acted in amateur productions and by 1883 began workeing as a professional actor. During 1911 and 1912. Waller toured and performed in the United States, Canada, and Australia. During his career he made recordings for the Gramophone Company and acted in three films. This vintage photo postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.4222G). Waller’s portrait photograph was taken by the Foulsham and Banfield Studio. The message on this postcard indicates that it was written in 1908. (SOLD)
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