Description
This collection consists of 96 manuscript poems, documents, and
correspondence by and related to English actor and author Fanny Kemble (1809-1893). Correspondents
include: Angela Georgina Burdett-Coutts, Charles John Kean, John Mitchell Kemble, John
Poole, Adelaide Kemble Sartoris, and Charles Mayne Young.
Background
Frances Anne Kemble (1809-1893) was born in London, England, on November 27, 1809, one of five children of
Charles and Marie Thérèse (De Camp) Kemble. A niece of Sarah Siddons and the
daughter and granddaughter of actors, Frances followed her forebears into the theatre,
achieving dramatic success under the better-known name of Fanny Kemble. After acting for three
years in Covent Garden and throughout the British Isles, she travelled to the United States
in 1832, making her American acting debut on September 18. This American tour marked the
first of many trips she would make between England and the U.S. during her lifetime.
First appearing in plays and later presenting evenings of dramatic readings,
Kemble continued to be in great demand for as many performances as she would consent to
give.
Extent
96 pieces in 1 box
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department.
For more information, contact Reader Services.