Corney Grain archive
Biographical / Historical note
Richard Corney Grain (1844-1895) was an English entertainer of the Victorian era who was known by his stage name of Corney Grain. Although trained for the law, his interest in performing led him to join the German Reeds’ entertainments at the Gallery of Illustration in London (later at St. George’s Hall) where he was both a comic performer and writer/composer of musical sketches. He appeared there in W.S. Gilbert’s early (non-Sullivan) musical plays and thereby earned some minor importance in the Gilbert and Sullivan pantheon. Grain was also a private society entertainer, performing his comic musical sketches at the piano for fashionable parties, and much of the correspondence in this archive documents this aspect of his career.
Scope and Contents
The Corney Grain Archive provides an insight into the talents of Richard Corney Grain and the esteem with which he was held among his theatrical contemporaries. The archive includes personal memorabilia including his correspondence, along with photographs, periodical art and reviews, books written by or about Grain, sheet music of his songs, and programs from his German Reed entertainments, most of which include synopses and song lyrics.
Creator
- Grain, Corney, 1844-1895 (Person)
Dates
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1876-1884
Language of Materials
English
Extent
.5 linear feet
Access
The Corney Grain Archive is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.
Use
In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The Corney Grain Archive was donated by Dr. Harold A. Kanthor, 2016.
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], Corney Grain Archive, D.510, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Accruals
Accruals are expected for this collection.
Subject
- Grain, Corney, 1844-1895 (Person)
- Title
- Corney Grain archive
- Author
- Dr. Harold A. Kanthor
- Date
- 2016
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Library Details
Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library
