William Smith papers, 1760-1823.

ArchivalResource

William Smith papers, 1760-1823.

The papers consist of letters, poems by both William Smith and others, newspaper clippings and other material related to Smith's career in the theater and his life in retirement after 1788. The letters discuss personal news, requests for theater tickets, inquiries after Smith's health, and other matters. Letters by Thomas Coutts offer his opinion on various aspiring actors and gossip about theatrical personages; William Dolben's letters include drafts of epilogues and odes; Capel Lofft's letters contain comments on Garrick and Roscius. Edmund Kean's letter discusses his performances of Richard III. Other papers include a list of characters performed by Smith at Drury Lane, 1753-88; his farewell address from there, 1788; miscellaneous verses; and memorabilia of David Garrick.

0.84 linear ft. (2 boxes)

Related Entities

There are 9 Entities related to this resource.

Smith, William, 1730-1819

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6w38gmt (person)

William Smith, known as "Gentleman" Smith, was a popular actor in London from 1753 to 1788, first at Covent Garden, and after 1774 at Drury Lane under Garrick and his successors. His first marriage, to Elizabeth Montagu, sister of the Earl of Sandwich, caused some scandal. From the description of William Smith papers, 1760-1823. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78013916 From the description of William Smith papers, 1760-1823. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702147472 E...

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qk86d3 (person)

William Shakespeare was likely born April, 23, 1564; he was baptized in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 26, 1564. He grew up, had a family, and bought property in Stratford while working in London, the center of English theater. As an actor, a playwright, and a partner in a leading acting company, he became both prosperous and well-known. His parents were John and Mary Shakespeare. John was a leatherworker and involved in local politics, first becoming an alderman and eventually a town bailiff. ...

Coutts, Thomas, 1735-1822

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qz2x4q (person)

Epithet: of Add MS 33107 British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000680.0x000101 English banker. From the description of Receipt signed : [London], to the Marquis of Camden, 1818 Jul. 7. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270538677 From the description of Letter signed "James & Thomas Coutts" in a secretary's hand : London, to the Earl Temple, 1774 June 21. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270537783 ...

Lofft, Capel, 1751-1824

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6sf3tk4 (person)

Capel Lofft, English radical editor and writer. From the description of Capel Lofft manuscript material : 6 items, 1799-1811 (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 720407149 From the guide to the Capel Lofft manuscript material : 6 items, 1799-1811, (The New York Public Library. Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle.) ...

Drury Lane Theatre

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w62r7hj2 (corporateBody)

The Drury Lane Theatre in London is the oldest English theater still in use. From the description of Financial records, 1747-1817. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78201833 From the guide to the Financial records, 1747-1817., (Harvard Theatre Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University) The performances took place at the King's theatre, Haymarket and at the Lyceum between 1809 and 1812. Some of Benjamin Wyatt's plans for the rebuilding of...

Dolben, William, Sir, 1727-1814

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w60908f2 (person)

Beaumont, George Howland, Sir, 1753-1827

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6xg9p9r (person)

English painter and patron. From the description of Autograph letter signed : Dunmow, to W.L. Bowles, 1808 Feb. 21. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270622246 From the description of Autograph letter signed : Coleorton, to Robert Southey, 1809 Aug. 5. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270622189 From the description of Autograph letter signed : Haverhill, to W.L. Bowles, 1803 June 24. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270622356 From the description of Autograph lett...

Garrick, David, 1717-1779

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qf8w12 (person)

David Garrick was raised in Lichfield, England, and became a leading actor, playwright and theatrical producer in London. From 1747 to 1776, he was a partner in the Drury Lane Theatre. From the description of Papers, 1749-1778. (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 85213417 David Garrick, English actor and playwright. Garrick frequently invested in land, and in 1756 he bought a large estate in Hendon, northwest of London. There is no evidence that Garrick ever lived at H...

Kean, Edmund, 1787-1833

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6qr568w (person)

Edmund Kean (1787-1833) was an English actor. From the guide to the Edmund Kean Collection, 1814-1933, (Princeton University. Library. Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections) Edmund Kean (1787-1833) was an English actor associated with the Drury Lane Theatre. An affair with Charlotte Cox, the wife of prominent alderman Robert Cox, led to an adultery trial against Kean in 1825 and his subsequent travel outside of England. Kean returned to the English stage in 1827 and re...