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Advertising the Offer for Sale of a large collection of British Theatrical Heritage, put into storage, forgotten for many years and only recently discovered.

The valuation is inestimable although the seller is prepared to accept offers in the region of $3,000,000.00 (3 million negotiable), this is a collection worthy of a museum interested in owning British Heritage.

In the first instance please email: Info3421@aol.com

Introduction:

John Martin Harvey (22 June 1863 – 14 May 1944), known after his knighthood in 1921 as Sir John Martin-Harvey, was one of last great romantic actors of the English theatre. Born at Bath Street, Wivenhoe in the English county of Essex, he was the son of John Harvey, a yacht-designer and shipbuilder, and Margaret Diana Mary Goyder. His father expected him to follow his own profession, but Martin Harvey had his sights set on the stage. One of his father’s clients was the dramatist W. S. Gilbert, and it was through Gilbert that Martin Harvey met his first teacher, John Ryder. Martin Harvey joined Sir Henry Irving’s Lyceum Theatre Company in 1882. For many years he played only minor parts in Irving’s productions. Martin Harvey’s most famous play was first produced at the Lyceum on 16 February 1899. This was The Only Way, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities in which Martin Harvey played the lead role of Sydney Carton. Many other plays followed and many tours in both Great Britain and North America. His success was always greater in Canada than the United States. After Sir Henry Irving’s death in 1905, Martin Harvey continued to revive his old manager’s plays, often using Irving’s own props which he had bought. These plays included The Bells and The Lyons Mail. His later successes included A Cigarette-maker’s Romance, Oedipus (in Max Reinhardt’s Covent Garden production), Bernard Shaw’s The Devil’s Disciple, and Maeterlinck’s The Burgomaster of Stilemonde. By the time he retired, Martin Harvey claimed to have performed The Only Way more than 3,000 times, though this would not have been possible in reality. In 1889 he married Angelita Helena Maria de Silva Ferro, a fellow actor in Irving’s company, and daughter of a Chilean consul. John Martin Harvey died at home in East Sheen, Richmond, Surrey aged 80. Lady Martin-Harvey was born Angelita Helena Margarita de Silva Ferro in 1868. She was the daughter of Don Ramon de Silva Ferro, Consul for Chile at the time of his marriage. According to her husband, he descended from the de Silvas of Mondonedo in Galicia, Spain. On her mother’s side descended from Charles II through his grandson the Second Duke of Grafton. She and Sir John had two children who both acted under a variety of names: Jack Seaforth Elton Martin-Harvey and Muriel Martin-Harvey. She died in 1949 and is buried with her husband in EastSheenCemetery, Surrey. Jack Seaforth Elton Martin Harvey (1897- 1975) Actor & Painter.  Also known as Michael Martin Harvey. Muriel Martin-Harvey (1891-1988), Actress.  Married to 1: Ronald Squire, theatre & film actor, 2: Garry Marsh, actor, 3: Anthony Huntly Gordon, stage manager of The Mousetrap 21 years.

The list below is of the items for sale arranged into different folders. 

Black Folder with various Inventories

1. 3 letters from the National Trust dated 1974
2. 1 letter from The British Museum dated 1964
3. 1 letter from the TheatreMuseum dated 1983
4. 1 letter from the Society of Genealogists dated 1983
5. 6 letters from The London Museum dated 1949, 1950, 1958 & 1961, with a list of the items donated.
6. 3 letters from the City of Perth Art Gallery & Museum dated 1950 with a list of the items.3 letters from the National Portrait Gallery
7. A copy of Muriel’s Will listing many items.
8. An inventory of items held for auction by Mrs Feodora Kingsford Harris.  Jacqueline inherited her mother’s estate, but died herself before she collected anything. Her estate was then left to her life-companion, my relative, Feodora, who auctioned the furniture & effects and put all of these items into a storage house.  Feodora paid for 10 years storage, and only when the storage company requested more funds in March 2006 did these items come to light & I was asked to collect them.

Documents & Letters referring to the play “THE ONLY WAY”

From 1951 (no 25) the correspondence concerns Muriel Martin Harvey & the Rights of the play. 

1. Document:11^th August 1899 Agreement between John Martin Harvey & Freeman Willis.
2. Document:19^th June 1901 Assignment of Royalties John Martin Harvey to Mrs Martin Harvey.
3. Document (Copy): 14^th January 1942 Royalty Agreement for Publication by Frederick Muller Ltd with Martin Harvey.
4. Document:1^st June 1899 Agreement between Martin Harvey & Elizabeth Marbury.
5. Document:3^rd June 1899 Agreement between Martin Harvey & Charles Frohman.
6. 6 royalty statements
7. Copy of Agreement 10^th August 1899 between Martin Harvey & Freeman Willis (red type).
8. Handwritten letter to John Martin Harvey  22^nd March 1900 signed Freeman Willis
9. Handwritten letter to JMH 26^th March 1900 signed Freeman Willis
10. Handwritten letter to JMH 3^rd February 1902 signed Freeman Willis
11. Handwritten letter to JMH 6^th April 1903 signed Freeman Willis
12. Handwritten letter to JMH 17^th April 1903 signed Freeman Willis
13. Handwritten letter to JMH 20^th April 1903 signed Freeman Willis
14. Handwritten letter to JMH 22^nd April 1903 signed Freeman Willis
15. Handwritten letter to JMH 16^th May 1903 signed Freeman Willis
16. Handwritten letter to JMH 19^th May 1903 signed Freeman Willis
17. Handwritten copy of letter to Freeman Willis 22^nd May 1903 in Martin Harvey handwriting
18. Handwritten letter 29^th May 1917 signed Martin Harvey
19. Handwritten letter to JMH 1^st August signed Rosamond Grant Fletcher
20. Handwritten letter to JMH 11^th August 1927 signed J.S.Fletcher
21. Typed letter 25^th February 1930 to Mrs Tapling signed J.M.H.
22. Handwritten letter to JMH February 1930 signed Gladys Tapling
23. Typed copy of letter 30^th April 1939 to Violet Langbridge from Frank O’Neill
24. Handwritten copy of letter to Violet Langbridge signed Frank O’Neill
25. Typed letter 10^th January 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
26. Typed copy of letter 14^th January 1951 Frank O’Neill to MMH
27. Handwritten letter 14^th January 1951 to Sis signed Tom
28. Typed letter 17^th January 1951 to MMH from M.Barber (The League of Dramatists)
29. Handwritten letter 21^st January 1951 to Sis from Tom
30. Typed letter 23^rd January 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
31. Typed letter 26^th January 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
32. Typed letter 14^th February 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
33. Copy of typed letter referring to Lady Martin Harvey, deceased, from Frederick Muller
34. Copy of typed letter 15^th February 1951 to Gabrielle Curry from Dr John Miller
35. Copy of typed letter 15^th February 1951 to Gabrielle Curry from John Miller
36. Typed letter 20^th February 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
37. Typed letter 26^th February 1951 to MMH signed M.Barber
38. Typed letter 20^th April 1951 to MMH from Hugh Harraway & sons solicitors
39. Typed letter 27^th April 1951 to MMH from A.J.Bird (Peake & Co)
40. Typed letter 27^th April 1951 to Peake & Co signed John G.F.Miller
41. Typed letter 27^th April 1951 to MMH from National Provincial Bank Limited
42. Typed letter 27^th April 1951 to MMH from J.Garnet Miller
43. Typed letter 4^th May 1951 to MMH from Hugh Harraway & Son, solicitors
44. Typed letter 16^th May 1951 to MMH signed A.J.Bird (Peake & Co)
45. Typed letter 6^th June 1951 to MMH from Cardew Smith & Ross
46. Handwritten letter 21^st June 1951 to Sis from Tomsy
47. Typed letter 27^th June 1951 to MMH from Cardew Smith & Ross
48. Typed letter 27^th June 1951 receipt to MMH from Cardew Smith & Ross
49. Typed letter 23^rd July 1951 to MMH signed Alan Grogan (Christopher Mann Management).
50. Typed letter 8^th November 1951 to MMH signed Alan Grogan
51. Typed letter 21^st November 1951 to MMH signed A.J.Bird
52. Typed letter 4^th December 1951 to MMH signed A.J.Bird
53. Typed letter 18^th December 1951 to MMH signed A.J.Bird
54. Typed letter 9^th January 1952 to MMH signed A.J.Bird
55. Typed letter 15^th July 1952 to MMH signed Alan Grogan
56. Typed letter 3^rd March 1952 to MMH signed Alan Grogan
57. Typed letter 7^th July 1952 to MMH signed Alan Grogan
58. Handwritten letter (copy) 2^nd February to J.Garnet Miller
59. Typed letter 7^th February 1955 to James G.Minter
60. Typed letter 18^th April 1955 to MMhHsiged John G.F.Miller
61. Typed letter 29^th July 1955 from Copyright Office, WashingtonDC
62. Typed letter 2^nd August 1955 to MMh signed John G.F.Miller
63. Typed letter 21^st December 1955 to MMH signed John G.F.Miller
64. Typed letter 13^th January 1956 to J.Garnet Miller from R.P.Clift (2 copies)
65. Typed letter 17^th February 1956 to MMH signed Aubrey Blackburn (Christopher Mann Management).
66. Typed letter 20^th February 1956 to MMH signed Alan Grogan

Personal Letters in Light Blue Folder

Handwritten letters to Muriel from her husband, Anthony Huntly Gordon:

1. Friday – My Own Precious, …
2. Thursday – My Own One, …
3. My Own Dear Love, …
4. My Own Darling, …
5. As I was going down the stair …
6. A Very Many Happy Returns …
7. My Own Darling, … 24^th June 1946
8. Monday evening, My Own Dearest, …
9. Good Morning My Poppet, …
10. 24.6.46. My Own Darling Pal, …………

Other letters:

1. 11^th February 1854, with envelope.
2. 29^th August 1940, from Old Nannie
3. To My Own Darling Mistress (N. de Silva) ( from Old Nannie)
4. 7^th June 1944 to Nell from Bob G.A.
5. 21^st December 1930 to Jack
6. 20^th August to Lady MH from Kenneth Ingram
7. 13^th May 1933 to Harvey written in French
8. 15^th May 1944 to Nell from R.N.Green & Armytage
9. Typed letter 7^th February 1930Halifax Daily Star

Letters hand-written by Lady Martin Harvey, generally signed Mums:

1. 24^th December 1948
2. 5^th (January) 1946
3. 22^nd June 1946
4. 4^th October 1945
5. 20^th February 1944
6. 18^th July 1943
7. 25^th February 1944
8. 28^th June 1944
9. 10^th July 1941
10. 20^th June 1941
11. 11^th May 1941
12. 26^th April 1941
13. 20^th April 1941
14. 19^th April 1941
15. 10^th April 1941
16. 26^th February 1941
17. 18^th February 1941
18. 11^th February 1941
19. 1^st August 1940
20. 13^th February 1940
21. 6^th January 1940
22. 29^th (Dec) 1939
23. Card 1939
24. Card 1938
25. Card 1936
26. 31^st June 1935
27. 4^th December 1929
28. 25^th (Decd) 1929
29. Undated
30. Typed14^th April 1919Intercesssion
31. Typed7^th March 1919
32. Valentine card from John Martin Harvey
33. Card Easter 1912
34. 29^th April
35. Undated page 5/6
36. Undated letter heading Lady Martin-Harvey
37. 24^th May 1917
38. 10^th December 1916

Letters hand-written by John Martin Harvey

1. Card 1942
2. Typed Bequests
3. Letter beginning “then I saw her unable…”
4. Letter beginning “Dearest, this is a little note…”
5. 20^th December 1925
6. Note with quotes.
7. 26^th December 1940
8. 27^th (December) 1939
9. Monday 1938
10. Wordsworth
11. Gallowhill 20^th April 1941
12. Red-lined paper, identified by number 105
13. 3^rd September 1925
14. 18^th October 1943
15. 15^th September 1938
16. Thursday
17. On train, 3.30, 10^th March 1914

Black Folder with approximately 40 letters or items most of which refer to Anthony Huntly Gordon’s Masonic activities.

1. RoyalMasonicHospital certificate dated 10^th February 1965 qualifying Huntly Gordon as a Life Governor.
2. February 1971 Masonic menu
3. October 1971 The Green Room Lodge summons to a Meeting.
4. Alterations to the Royal Arch Regulations 1966
5. Letter from Bro Blackwell
6. Installation Meeting March 1970 invitation.
7. Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution brochure
8. Letter for July meetings in 1971
9. Green Room Lodge General Funds balance sheet & accounts sheet for the year to April 1967.
10. The Supreme Council 33 letter concerning Higher Degrees
11. The John Tower Chapter No 549 meeting with list of members.
12. Many other letters on the same subject.

De Silva Ferro Parentage

1. Handwritten letter to Carolina from Don Ramon de Silva Ferro – approximately 1865.
2. BuckinghamPalace programme for Wednesday evening 1^st July 1874.
3. BuckinghamPalace programme for Wednesday evening 12^th May 1875.
4. Travelling “Pass” for Elizabeth Milliken signed by the Earl of Salisbury 15^th March 1880.
5. Invitation from Queen Victoria to Don Ramon & Madame de Silva Ferro 1875.
6. Invitation from Countess of Derby to Don Ramon & Madame de Silva Ferro.
7. Oval photo of Carolina

Working Script to the play Charlie’s Aunt - stage director Anthony Huntly Gordon

1. Front page – A Play in Three Acts by Brandon Thomas
2. List of characters
3. Numbered pages 7 to 99, Act 1 to the Final Curtain, each page in a separate sleeve as most have content (writing or drawings) on the underside of the page.
4. Furniture and Property Plot pages 101, 103, 105
5. 2 Typed pages: Properties Plot Act 1 & 11
6. 2 typed pages: Stand-by Prop Tables Act 1, 11,111 & Furniture and Property Plot Act 11 & 111.
7. 2 typed pages: Stand-by Prop Tables Act 1, 2, 3 & Act Three.
8. 2 pages: 1 handwritten props 1-12 & 1 typed Lighting Plot.
9. 2 pages: 1 handwritten props 1-12 & typed Spot Bar Positions and Colours.
10. 2 typed pages: Furniture and Property Plot Act 1 list & Property Plot Act 111.
11. Typed page of the Actors’ names, their roles and contact addresses.
12. Typed letter to Mr Paul from A. Huntly Gordon concerning property expenses, dated 18^th April 1951
13. Typed letter to Huntly Gordon from Mr Paul dated 20^th April 1951
14. 3 hand-drawn pages for Act 1, 11, & 111 for stage arrangements.
15. Printed page: Agreement relating to charges for “Getting-down” & “Getting-out” Scenery, Properties and Effects.  
16. Printed page as above plus typed letter, 2^nd June 1949, Getting-out Agreement from Horace Collins.
17. 2 Programmes Theatre Royal Windsor 645^th Production dated October 22^nd 1951
18. Programme Saville Theatre 34^th London presentation.
19. Programme Alexandra Theatre dated 4^th December 1950.
20. The original Binder which contained all of the above.

Oedipus Rex souvenir folder

1. 15 x 12 ins cream cloth folder with gold text & design on the front, inside dated January 15^th 1912, Covent Garden Opera House.
2. 5 photographs of scenes each set on cream card 15 x 12 ins. 
3. 5 lists of the Honorary Committee each on cream card 15 x 12 ins.
4. 5 x 7 ½ ins list of Honorary Committee printed in red type.
5. 2 printed pictures 5 ½ x 8 ½ins of Sir John Martin Harvey in character as Oedipus Rex.
6. Complementary programme dated January 15^th 1912
7. Programme dated September 28^th 1936.
8. 2 articles written by James Douglas, reprinted from The Morning Leader, London.

White Folder

Containing a large assortment of letters:  Personal letters, letters of sympathy, solicitors letters, letters about royalties, a few letters from known people, which also includes:

1. Marriage certificate between John Martin Harvey & Angelita de Silva Ferro
2. Marriage certificate between Anthony Huntly Gordon & Muriel Martin Harvey
3. Death certificate of Anthony Huntly Gordon
4. Passports for both Muriel & Anthony Huntly Gordon
5. Identity cards for both Muriel & Anthony Huntly Gordon
6. Birth certificate Anthony Huntly Gordon
7. National Service card for Anthony Huntly Gordon
8. Travel permits dated 1939 for Muriel & Anthony Huntly Gordon
9. Driving licence for Anthony Huntly Gordon

Folder containing approximately 40 letters from Boy (Jack Seaforth/Michael Martin Harvey) to his sister Muriel

File box containing letters from Jacqui Squire to her mother, Muriel.

Assorted Pictures, Photos, Items

1. 8 prints of a picture by D.Y.Cameron of “Hill 60”, on one of them is a dedication to Muriel from her mother, N de Silva.  On card 12 x 18 ins, each print is 7 x 9 ins.
2. Satin-print after a painting of Muriel Martin Harvey by William Margotson RD. 7 x 13 ½ ins.
3. Framed miniature painting of dog “Dannie Man” dated May 29^th 1921, by Katharine Cameron, 5 x 4 ins.
4. Souvenir of “Ravenswood” programme dated September 20^th 1890.
5. Programme/brochure Theatre Royal, Bradford.  Farewell of Henry Irving and his company. Dated October 9^th 1905.
6. Photograph of a Religious Painting by Michael Martin Harvey 11 x 11 ins.
7. 7 ½ x 10 ins photo on card 12 x 16 ins of Muriel Martin Harvey 1922.
8. 7 ½ x 9 ½ ins Still 253 pub 58 by Cornel Lucas from “Always a Bride”.
9. 9 x 7 ½ ins photo of Martin Harvey fencing with Prince V… . Dated 1926.
10. Portrait signed by Hacking, Vancouver, of John Martin Harvey wearing Indian Chief feathers.
11. 2 £1 Premium Savings Bonds both with the initials in pencil MMHG, dated 1958 & 1960.
12. Leather with metal edge box with spring-clip inside. Embossed print on front “J. Martin Harvey 30 Avenue Road Regents Park London or Theatre”. This top of this box is broken away from the base. 9 ½ x 12 x 2 ½ inches.
13. Small beige or green leather empty jewellery box with the inscription “Nell from Jack28^th August 1916 “Princess Katherine” 29^th May and “Ada” 21^st August 1916” on the front. 3 x 5 inches.
14. Black address book containing quotes & addresses etc. Some in John Martin Harvey’s handwriting.  Book is old and worn.
15. Brown address book named “Where Is It?” on the front containing names/addresses/telephone numbers of many known people. Telephone numbers are only 4 figures in contrast to year 2006. 3 ½ x 5 1/2/ inches.
16. Black address book named “Where is it?” on the front. Entries written in John Martin-Harvey’s handwriting. 3 ½ x 5 ½ inches.
17. Green exercise book, Genealogical Record of Mackenzie Drummond Milliken Ferro Silva Martin Harvey 1914. With original pictures of shields. 21 pages (both sides used).
18. Reve et Vie by Maurice Jokai – 3 ½ x 5 ½ inch book with John Martin Harvey coat of arms pasted card inside cover.(there are a few of these little coat of arms cards amongst the items).
19. The sash worn by Sir John martin Harvey in character as Sydney Carton in “The Only Way”.  This is a delicate piece of cloth upon which is written the very well-known words “It is a far, far better thing that I do…” etc
20. A chain which was worn by John martin Harvey in character as Hamlet which is gilt with paste diamonds
21. Martin Harvey Coat of Arms piece of heavily embroidered fabric
22. Nell de Silva’s personal sewing apron, made with thick blue cotton fabric.
23. Oil painting of N de Silva by M. Fletcher. In excellent condition. Frame 64 x 74 cms, painting 50 x 60 cms.
24. The family tree of N de Silva as made by Alfred Rodway (pen & coloured inks) and mounted behind glass in a frame.  55 x 80 cms.
25. Pastel portrait of Muriel by her father, John Martin Harvey.  Frame 50 x 67 cms, picture 38 x 54 cms.
26. 10 x 8 inch watercolour painting by John Martin-Harvey of Lady Martin Harvey paddling in the sea.
27. 10 x 8 inch watercolour painting by John Martin Harvey of himself in character as Reresby the Rat from Breed of the Treshams.
28. Pastel sketch of café scene by John martin Harvey
29. 2 portraits of John Martin Harvey as Sydney Carton, by the Duchess of Rutland.  One is the original and the other is a copy.
30. Pastel portrait of Lady Martin Harvey by Sir John Martin Harvey which has faded – maybe can be restored as there is a photo of this picture in its originality.
31. Large advertisement cardboard print of John Martin Harvey as Richard 111.
32. 1899 framed signed photo of John Martin Harvey as Sydney Carton
33. 24 theatrical caricatures by John Martin-Harvey
34. A handmade book by Alfred Rodway “The Heraldry of the Holy Grail”
35. Photos – numerous photos of famous actors and of the family

Viewing by Appointment only

The present owner of these items will not be held responsible for the packaging or shipping of these items.