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Lena Ashwell papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.1

Biographical / Historical note

Lena Ashwell (1872-1957) was an English actress, who, although trained at the Royal Academy of Music, entered the theatre in 1891, gaining her greatest fame in the years 1896-1925. She made a great impression in a series of plays by Henry Arthur Jones, and was well known for playing tragic Russian heroines. She managed her own theatre, the Kingsway, 1907-1915, but was only marginally successful, and gave it up in the first years of the war. She organized companies of professionals to entertain the allied armies in France during the war, for which she was given the Order of the British Empire. Afterward, she organized the Lena Ashwell Players, a continuation of the idea of the war-time entertainers, who gave plays in suburban halls and institutions, using a minimum of scenery and props. She also briefly managed the Century Theatre, Bayswater, 1924-1927. In 1908, she married Sir Henry Simson, the royal obstetrician. She made her last appearance on the stage in 1927.

Scope and Contents

The Lena Ashwell Papers are comprised of one box containing thirteen folders consisting of correspondence written to Lena Ashwell, being chiefly remarks about her performances. Correspondents include Marie Louis, grandaughter of Queen Victoria, and Charles Knollys, Lady of the Bedchamber and private secretary to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, both found in folder six.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1891-1950

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es)

Access

The Lena Ashwell 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.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Lena Ashwell Papers, D.1, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Genre / Form

Geographic

Topical

Related Archival Materials

Other collections in the Department of Rare Books & Special Collections relating to the Lena Ashwell Papers are: John Edward Masefield Papers.

Title
Lena Ashwell papers
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

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA