Jump to Content

> Home > Huntington Library > Manuscript Collections
Collection Guide
∞ https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c89028xg/
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Winston (James) Papers
mssWinston  
No online items No online items       Request items ↗
Collection location Contact Huntington Library::Manuscript Collections
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Entire Collection Guide
Online Items
Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
  • Provenance
  • Cataloging Decisions
  • Related Materials in the Huntington Library
  • Biographical Note
  • Scope and Content
  • Arrangement
  • Indexing: Subjects
  • Indexing: Added Entries
  • General
  • Bibliography
    • Contributing Institution: The Huntington Library
    Title: James Winston Papers
    Identifier/Call Number: mssWinston
    Physical Description: 3.2 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
    Date (inclusive): 1760-1841
    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.
    Language of Material: English.

    Access

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

    Publication Rights

    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.

    Provenance

    The James Winston Papers were acquired in three separate acquisitions:
    1. 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).
    2. The largest group of letters, autograph notes and clippings was acquired from Mrs. C. A. Kyrle Fletcher in March 1978 (Acc. No. 512).
    3. The final group of letters was acquired from Mrs. C. A. Kyrle Fletcher in Sep. 1978 (Acc. No. 582).

    Cataloging Decisions

    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.

    Related Materials in the Huntington Library

    1. Winston, James to William Upcott, (1815-1824), in the William Upcott Correspondence   (Call number: mssUP 530-532)
    2. Winston, James, letter (1826, Mar. 29), in the extra-illustrated William Charles Macready : A memorial, comprising "Macready's reminiscences" (Vol. II, p. 177)  (Call number: 264486)
    3. Larpent, John to James Winston, (1819-1820) (Call number: mssHM 36695-36696)
    4. Dorothy Jordan Papers (1794-1852)   (Call number: mssDJ 1-527)
    5. James Robinson Planché Papers (1794-1882)   (Call number: mssJP 1-331)
    6. James St. Aubyn. Journal of James St. Aubyn (1819-1859)   (Call number: mssHM 63181)

    Biographical Note

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Indexing: Subjects

    Aston, Tony, ca. 1682- ca. 1753. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79480.
    Aston, Tony, ca. 1682- ca. 1753. In James Winston, 1773-1843, "The Fool's Opera…," ([ca. 1835]?). HM 79611.
    Aston, Tony, ca. 1682- ca. 1753. In James Winston, 1773-1843, "Tony Aston's Petition…," ([ca. 1835]?). HM 79612.
    Betty, William Hen. West (William Henry West), 1791-1874. In Samuel Thomas Russell, ca. 1770-1845, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, (1823, Apr. 6). HM 79573.
    Braham, John, 1774-1856. In William Lee, active 1772-1807, letter to R. W. (Robert William) Elliston, 1774-1831, (1816, Sep. 17). HM 79544.
    Colman, George, 1762-1836. In Henry Lee, 1765-1836, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, (1806, June 1). HM 79534.
    Dimond, William, active 1800-1830. In Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, letter to R. W. (Robert William) Elliston, 1774-1831, ([ca. 1815]?). HM 79594.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. In Jane Egerton, letter to James Winston, 1773- 1843, (1819, Aug. 31). HM 79525.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. In Samuel Thomas Russell, ca. 1770-1845, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, (1823, Apr. 6). HM 79573.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. In James Winston, 1773-1843, letter to Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, ([ca. 1820]?). HM 79614.
    Garrick Club. In Thomas Lee, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, (1832, Mar. 8). HM 79541.
    Kemble, Charles, 1775-1854. In James Prescott Warde, 1792-1840, letter to R. W. (Robert William) Elliston, 1774-1831, (1825). HM 79583-79584.
    Leak, Elizabeth, ca. 1778- ca. 1832. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79481.
    Leak, Elizabeth, ca. 1778- ca. 1832. In Tilbury & Bedford (firm), letter to Richard Peake, 1757- 1829, (1800, Dec. 15). HM 79575.
    Ledger, John, 1749-1808. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79484.
    Lee, Henry, 1765-1836. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79485.
    Lee, Henry, 1765-1836. Caleb Quotem (farce). In Henry Lee, 1765-1836, letter to R. W. (Robert William) Elliston, 1774-1831, (1821, Nov. 2). HM 79532.
    Lee, John, 1795-1881. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79486.
    Lee, Louis Leoni, d. 1871. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79487.
    Lee, Sophia, 1750-1824. In [Proprietors of Drury Lane], [Receipt…], (1796, May 17). HM 79563.
    Legg, Jonathan, d. 1778. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79490.
    Leicester, Eliza, active 1769-1794. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79491.
    Leigh, Anthony, d. 1692. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79492.
    Leigh, Mr. (John), 1689-1726. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79493.
    Lennox, Charlotte, ca. 1729-1804. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79494.
    Leoni, Michael, ca. 1750-1797. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79497.
    Leserve, Anna Maria, d. 1831. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79498.
    Pearman, William P., 1792-1837. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79500.
    Reynolds, Frederick, 1764-1841. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79501.
    Robertson, James, 1714-1795. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79502.
    Robinson, Richard, d. 1647. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79504.
    Russell, Samuel Thomas, ca. 1770-1845. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79505.
    Ward, Sarah, 1711-1786. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79506.
    Ward, Sarah, 1727?-1771. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79507.
    Ward, Sarah, 1756?-1838?. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79508.
    Ward, Thomas Achurch, 1747-1835. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79509.
    Warde, James Prescott, 1792-1840. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79510.
    Welsh, Mary Anne, 1802-1867. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79511.
    Welsh, Mary Anne, 1802-1867. In Anonymous, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, (1821, Feb. 15). HM 79515.
    Welsh, Mary Anne, 1802-1867. In Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, letter to George Henry Robins, 1778-1847, (1821, Jan. 8). HM 79598.
    Welsh, Mary Anne, 1802-1867. In Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, letter to James Winston, 1773-1843, ([ca. 1821?]). HM 79608.
    Welsh, Mary Anne, 1802-1867. In James Winston, 1773-1843, letter to Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, ([ca. 1820]?). HM 79614.
    Welsh, Thomas, ca. 1780-1848. In Research Material, ([before 1843]). HM 79512.
    Welsh, Thomas, ca. 1780-1848. In Messers. Hammersleys & Co., [Four cheques…], (1805, May 4 - Oct. 21). HM 79559.
    Welsh, Thomas, ca. 1780-1848. In James Winston, 1773-1843, [Contract…], ([ca. 1818]). HM 79613.

    Indexing: Added Entries

    Beazley, Samuel, 1786-1851. Addressee for Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, ([1826]?, Sep. 27). HM 79592.
    Colman, George, 1762-1836. Addressee for Anna Maria Leserve, d. 1831, (1816, Mar. 14). HM 79555.
    Dunn, William, 1782-1855. Addressee for Frederick Reynolds, 1764-1841, (1837, July [26?]). HM 79569.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for Henry Lee, 1765-1836, (1821). HM 79531-79532.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for William Lee, active 1772-1807, (1816-1825). HM 79544-79549.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for Anna Maria Leserve, d. 1831, (1819, Jan. 12). HM 79556.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for J---- S---- Ward, (1824, Oct. 13). HM 79576.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for James Prescott Warde, 1792-1840, (1825). HM 79582-79584.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for James Welsh, active 1792-1806, ([ca. 1810]?). HM 79590.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Addressee for Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, ([ca. 1810]?-1821). HM 79593-79595.
    Elliston, R. W. (Robert William), 1774-1831. Signature on [Promissory note…], (1817, Dec. 29). HM 79543.
    Harley, John Pritt, 1786-1858. Addressee for John Lee, 1795-1881, ([ca. 1820]?). HM 79535.
    Johnstone, John Henry, 1749-1828. Addressee for William Dunn, 1782-1855, (1826, Feb. 26). HM 79523.
    Kenneth, William, active 1825-1835. Addressee for John Lee, 1795-1881, (1828, Mar. 17). HM 79536.
    Laporte, P. F. (Pierre François), 1799-1841. Addressee for George Bartley, 1782-1858, (1834, Apr. 17). HM 79516.
    Payne, John Howard, 1791-1852. Signature on paper with signature of Elizabeth Leak, ca. 1778-ca. 1832, (1814, Apr. 26). HM 79527.
    Peake, Richard, 1757-1829. Addressee for Louis Leoni, (1815, Apr. 5). HM 79554.
    Peake, Richard, 1757-1829. Addressee for Tilbury & Bedford (firm), (1800, Dec. 15). HM 79575.
    Peake, Richard, 1757-1829. Addressee for James Welsh, active 1792-1806, (1809, July 31). HM 79591.
    Peake, Richard, 1757-1829. Addressee for Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, ([1792]?). HM 79597.
    Peake, Richard, 1757-1829. Signature on cheques, (1805, May 4 - Oct. 21). HM 79559.
    Robins, George Henry, 1778-1847. Addressee for J---- S---- Ward, ([ca. 1815]?, [Aug.]?). HM 79577.
    Robins, George Henry, 1778-1847. Addressee for Thomas Welsh, ca. 1780-1848, (1821). HM 79598-79599.
    Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816. Addressee for Elizabeth Leak, ca. 1778 - ca. 1832, ([ca. 1794]?). HM 79528.
    Triphook, Robert. Addressee for William Thomas Lowndes, 1798?-1843, ([ca. 1840]?). HM 79557.
    Welsh, Thomas, ca. 1780-1848. Addressee for James Winston, 1773-1843, ([ca. 1820]?). HM 79614.
    Welsh, Thomas, ca. 1780-1848. Signature on [Receipt…], (1805, Oct. 21). HM 79564.
    Winston, James, 1773-1843. Signature on William Dunn, 1782-1855, letter to John Henry Johnstone, 1749-1828, (1826, Feb. 26). HM 79523.
    Winston, James, 1773-1843. Signature on paper with signature of Elizabeth Leak, ca. 1778 - ca. 1832, (1814, Apr. 26). HM 79527.

    General

    Former call number: mssHM 19925, mssHM 79480-79614

    Bibliography

    Highfill, Philip H. A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers, & Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800 (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1973-1993).
    Houtchens, Lawrence H. & Houtchens, Carolyn W. Leigh Hunt's Dramatic Criticism, 1808- 1831 (New York: Columbia University Press, 1949).
    Murray, Christopher. Robert William Elliston: Manager (London: The Society for Theatre Research, 1975).
    Watson, Ernest B. Sheridan to Robertson: A Study of the Nineteenth-Century London Stage (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1926).
    Winston, James. Drury Lane Journal: Selections from James Winston's Diaries, 1819-1827 (London: The Society for Theatre Research, 1974).
    Winston, James. The Theatric Tourist: A Facsimile of the First and Only Edition of 1805… (London: The Society for Theatre Research and The British Library, 2008).
    Also online resources including: Google, Library of Congress and The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    Theater -- Great Britain -- History -- 18th century -- Sources
    Theater -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century -- Sources
    Great Britain -- History -- 18th century
    Great Britain -- History -- 19th century
    Business letters -- Great Britain -- 18th century
    Business letters -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Clippings -- Great Britain -- 18th century
    Clippings -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Diaries -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Documents -- Great Britain -- 18th century
    Documents -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Letters (correspondence) -- Great Britain -- 18th century
    Letters (correspondence) -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Manuscripts -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Playbills -- Great Britain -- 18th century
    Playbills -- Great Britain -- 19th century
    Collection Contents
    Theatrical Records & Memoranda
    Research Material
    Manuscripts, Documents & Correspondence
    Home | Contributing Institutions | Collection Guides | Browse Map | About OAC | FAQs | Contact Us | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Accessibility
    The Online Archive of California is a service of the UC Libraries, powered by the California Digital Library.