GEORGE ALEXANDER : ENGLISH STAGE ACTOR, MANAGER, AND PRODUCER (RPPC 1907)

This real photo postcard features George Alexander, an English stage actor, theatre producer, and theatre manager. He began his professional acting career in 1879. He became interested in theatre management and in 1890, he leased a London theatre and began producing plays. In 1891, he moved to the St. James’s Theatre where he spent the rest of his career, acting and producing. Three of his most successful plays were Oscar Wilde’s ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan” (1892), “The Second Mrs Tanqueray” (1893), and Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). Alexander was born in Reading, Berkshire, England. His father was a travelling salesman. George was educated in private schools. He left school at the age of fifteen in order to pursue amateur acting. Upon becoming a professional actor, he joined a repertory company. That was followed by a stint in a touring company. He received positive reviews and his status as an actor rose. In 1882, George married Florence Jane Theleur (1857-1946). She shared his interest and involvement in the theatre and both also had strong engagement in public affairs. During the 1880’s, Alexander expanded his acting experience. His work for actor/manager, Henry Irving, provided him with an excellent theatrical education. During his time with Irving, George toured in the United States on two occasions. George served on the London County Council from 1907 to 1913. George was also a benefactor and a participant in many organizatIions that benefitted actors and the theatre. He also worked for charities like the Red Cross and the League of Mercy. In 1911, Alexander was knighted. He died from tuberculosis and diabetes in 1918. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no. 4225 D). The portrait photo was taken by the celebrated studio of Ellis & Walery. The postmark on this card was stamped in 1907. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3527

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3527

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Published in: on May 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ENGLISH STAGE ACTRESS: ELLEN TERRY (THERE AIN’T NOTHIN LIKE A DAME!)

Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928) was an English stage actress. The top cabinet card is from the studio of Campbell, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Ellen Terry was the leading Shakespearian actress in Great Britain. She was born into a family that was immersed in the theatre; and future generations continued theatrical pursuits; including grand nephew, John Gielgud (actor, director, producer). Ellen Terry began playing Shakespeare roles as a child and continued to do so. In 1878 she joined Henry Irving’s company. She toured Britain and the United States with great success. In 1903 she took over management of London’s Imperial Theatre and her focus included the plays of George Bernard Shaw and Henrik Ibsen. In 1916 she began acting in films and in 1925 she was made a “Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire”. Terry’s romantic life, including marriages and love affairs, make interesting reading. Research about the photographer of this cabinet card discovered his obituary in the New York Times (1912). The Times reports that Alfred S. Campbell (1839-1912) was a pioneer in the development of art photography. Among his accomplishments was the publication of an edition of the bible that was illustrated with photographs he took in the Holy Land. He emigrated to the United States on the invitation of famed photographer, Napoleon Sarony in 1866. Among his “intimate friends” were Henry Longfellow, Thomas Nast, and William Cullen Bryant . Visitors to the Cabinet Card Gallery can see photographs by Sarony under the category of “Photographer: Sarony” and can see a portrait of William Cullen Bryant under the category of “Journalist”. To view other photographs by Campbell, click on the category “Photographer: Campbell”.

The second cabinet card features Ellen Terry in the role of “Beatrice” in William Shakespeare’s play, “Much Ado About Nothing”. The Window & Grove studio of London,England, published this photograph. The studio operated in London from the 1870’s to at least 1908.

Published in: on August 5, 2012 at 12:01 am  Leave a Comment  
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