James Winston Papers, 1760-1841

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Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of British theater proprietor and author James Winston (1773-1843) consisting of Winston's four volumes of Theatrical Records & Memoranda (1803-1816, 1820-1830); research material for his work on the lives of various performers; manuscripts; letters by various British performers and theatre people; and documents related to the daily running of theatres.
Extent:
3.2 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. James Winston Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of Winston's four volumes of Theatrical Records & Memoranda (1803-1816, 1820-1830), research material for his work on the lives of various performers in the form of autograph notes, clippings and printed material. The remainder of the collection consists of manuscripts, letters by various British performers and theatre people, and documents related to the daily running of theatres, such as receipts, invoices, statements of accounts and cheques. Among the subjects of the research material and correspondents are: Tony Aston, John Braham, William Dunn, Mary King, Elizabeth Leak, Henry Lee, Louis Leoni Lee, George William Reeve, Frederick Reynolds, Sarah Butcher Ward, Thomas Achurch Ward, James Prescott Warde, Mary Anne Welsh and Thomas Welsh.

The papers consist of the following series:

1. Theatrical Records & Memoranda (Box 1) are four volumes arranged chronologically. The volumes cover the years 1803-1816, 1820-1830, and contain an account of Winston's employment at Drury Lane; the volumes also contain accounts of the performances in both major and minor theatres throughout the country. In Volumes II-IV, Winston also includes his own personal observations which make the volumes more like diaries rather than just lists recording facts about performers and theatres. Please note all four volumes are in fragile condition so please handle carefully.

2. Research Material (Box 2) is arranged alphabetically by the name of each actor and actress. This material consists of Winston's research on the lives of various performers in the form of autograph notes, clippings and printed material. It appears to be only a small portion of his research as the names covered are chiefly "L," "R" and "W."

3. Manuscripts, Documents & Correspondence (Boxes 3-4) are arranged alphabetically by author. The material was originally interfiled with the Research Material but for purposes of cataloging, this manuscript material was removed and cataloged separately. This material includes two manuscripts about Tony Aston copied out by James Winston but mainly consists of letters by various British performers and theatre people to Robert William Elliston and James Winston; also included are documents related to the daily running of theatres, such as receipts, invoices, statements of accounts and cheques.

Biographical / historical:

James Winston (1773-1843) was born James Bown in Covent Garden; in 1795 his maternal grandfather died leaving him a substantial inheritance and as a requirement for inheritance he changed his name to Winston by Royal License.

By 1799, Winston became proprietor at the Richmond Theatre (under the name James Neville), as well as acting various parts throughout the provinces with his wife, the actress Frances Mary Villars. In 1805, Winston obtained an interest in the Haymarket Theatre, and, in association with R. W. Elliston, became manager of the Surrey and Olympic Theatres, and finally the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 1819-1826.

Winston is also important for his written accounts of the British Theatre: The Theatric Tourist (1805), and his Theatrical Journals (1803-1830); he was also a founding member of The Garrick Club in 1831, and served as secretary until his death in July 1843.

Acquisition information:

The James Winston Papers were acquired in three separate acquisitions:

The four volumes of Winston's Theatre Diaries were acquired from Hodgson Co. 1958/9:9, through Ifan Kyrle Fletcher in June 1959 (no accession number). The largest group of letters, autograph notes and clippings was acquired from Mrs. C. A. Kyrle Fletcher in March 1978 (Acc. No. 512). The final group of letters was acquired from Mrs. C. A. Kyrle Fletcher in Sep. 1978 (Acc. No. 582).

Processing information:

1. The James Winston Theatre Journals were acquired in 1959 and cataloged (HM 19925); the remainder of the Winston material, acquired in 1978, was left uncataloged until it was decided to bring all of this material together as the James Winston Papers in order to fully catalog the entire collection.

2. A number of the letters and documents were originally pasted down onto sheets of paper by Winston; some evidence of the original location (old glue, tabs, etc.) remain on the material. Other evidence of Winston's previous ownership: some of the material has been trimmed down and some retain the pencilled notations and notes made by him.

Arrangement:

Organized in the following manner: 1. Theatrical Records & Memoranda (Vols. I - IV) (Box 1); 2. Research Material (Box 2); 3. Manuscripts, Documents & Correspondence (Boxes 3-4); arranged chronologically and alphabetically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. James Winston Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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