British music hall postcard collection, circa 1900-1930

Summary

Creator:
Banford, Harry, 1883-1973 and Terry, Frank, 1870-1948
Date:
circa 1900-1930
Extent:
0.5 Linear Feet (167 items)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

British music hall postcard collection, ms832, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 160 picture postcards of 118 music hall artists. Of these 64 are signed, several with personal inscriptions to fellow performers: Mr. and Mrs. Nat Clifford, Lally Clifford, and Harry Banford. Some of the notable actors are Vesta Tilley, Hetty King, and Little Tich. There are two contracts between Harry Banford, acting as agent for the Theatre Royal, Guildford, and the Brothers Ford (1914). Also, six playbills describe variety bills featuring Harry Banford and lesser known performers.

Biographical / historical:

The beginning of the 20th century up to World War I marked the high point of British Music Hall. The London area alone boasted nearly fifty music halls in addition to the larger theatres like the Palace, Coliseum, and Empire. World War I brought the decline of the the music hall, which increasingly was in competition with motion pictures.

Arrangement:

Organized into two series: picture postcards and playbills. The postcards are arranged in alphabetical order by name.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

British music hall postcard collection, ms832, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.