George Alexander papers
Biographical/Historical note
The British actor-manager Sir George Alexander (1858-1918) was born in Reading, England. He began acting in amateur theatricals in 1875, and four years later embarked on a professional acting career, making his London debut in 1881. He played many roles in the leading companies, including Sir Henry Irving's Lyceum.
In 1890 he produced his first play at the Avenue Theatre and in 1891 he became the manager of St. James's Theatre. Here he produced several of the major plays of the day such as Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde (1892), The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Sir Arthur Wing Pinero (1893), The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde (1895), and The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope (1896).
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of thirty-four typed, bound scripts used during the production of the plays at St. James's Theatre. Those having manuscript revisions, stage directions, and photographs of the production are noted in the following list of the plays.
Creator
- Alexander, George, Sir, 1858-1918 (Person)
Dates
- Creation: 1892-1913
Language of Materials
English
Extent
34 volume(s)
Access
The George Alexander Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & 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
Purchased from George S. MacManus Co., March 18, 1983.
Preferred Citation
[Item title, item date], George Alexander Papers, D.178, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Subject
- Alexander, George, Sir, 1858-1918 (Person)
- Saint James' Theatre (Organization : London, England) (Organization)
- Title
- George Alexander papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
- Date
- undated
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Library Details
Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library
