Corney Grain ArchiveD.510D.510
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on February 27, 2017.
Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Rush Rhees Library Second Floor, Room 225 Rochester, NY 14627-0055 [email protected] URL: http://www.library.rochester.edu/rbscp Corney Grain ArchiveD.510D.510
Table of Contents
Summary Information ...... 3 Biographical / Historical ...... 3 Scope and Contents ...... 4 Administrative Information ...... 4 Related Materials ...... 5 Collection Inventory ...... 5 Correspondence ...... 5
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Summary Information
Repository: Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Title: Corney Grain Archive ID: D.510 Date [bulk]: 1876-1884 Physical Description: .5 Linear Feet Language of the English Material: Language of the English Material:
Preferred Citation
[Item title, date], Corney Grain Archive, 1876-1884, D.510, Dept. of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester.
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Biographical / Historical
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.
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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.
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Administrative Information
Publication Statement Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation
Rush Rhees Library Second Floor, Room 225 Rochester, NY 14627-0055 [email protected] URL: http://www.library.rochester.edu/rbscp
Conditions Governing 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.
Conditions Governing 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.
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Related Materials
Related Materials Closely related to this collection, is the Harold A. Kanthor Collection of Gilbert and Sullivan, also housed in the Department of Rare Books, Special Collections, and Presevation where additional Corney Grain material may be found.
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Collection Inventory
Correspondence Title/Description Instances Letter written by W.S. Gilbert to Corney Grain, November 16, Box 1 Folder 1 [1881] Biographical / Historical
W.S. Gilbert (1836-1911) was the dramatist and the librettist half of the Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration. The "new comedy at the Criterion [Theatre]" was "Foggerty's Fairy." "Engaged" was Gilbert's highly successful farce.
Letter written by Arthur Sullivan to Corney Grain, [1877] Box 1 Folder 2 Biographical / Historical
Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) was the composer and musical half of the Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration. The Compton Benefit at the Drury Lane Theatre, London on March 1, 1877, in aid of Henry Compton, concluded with "Trial By Jury." Grain ultimately turned down Sullivan's request to play the Counsel.
Letter written by Joseph Ashby-Sterry to Corney Grain, April 21, Box 1 Folder 3 1878 Biographical / Historical
Joseph Ashby-Sterry (1836-1917) was an English poet, novelist and literary journalist.
Letter written by Marie Bancroft to Corney Grain, ca. Box 1 Folder 4 1870s-1880s
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Biographical / Historical
Marie Effie Wilton, Lady Bancroft (1839-1921) was an English actress and theatre manager. She appeared on stage as Marie Wilton until her marriage in December 1867 to Squire Bancroft, when she usually appeared under the name Lady Bancroft.
Letter written by Squire Bancroft to Corney Grain, March 26,18-- Box 1 Folder 5 Biographical / Historical
Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926) was an English actor- manager.
Letter writen by Jacques Blumenthal to Corney Grain, May 29, Box 1 Folder 6 1880 Biographical / Historical
Jacques Blumethal (1829-1908) was a German pianist and composer.
Letter written by Julius Benedict to Corney Grain, July 13, 1874 Box 1 Folder 7 Biographical / Historical
Sir Julius Benedict (1804-1885) was a German-born composer and conductor, resident in England for most of his career.
Letter written by Fannie Bernard-Beere to Corney Grain, ca. Box 1 Folder 8 1870s-1880s Biographical / Historical
Fannie Bernard-Beere (1856-1915) was an English actress in the mid 19th century. Prior to her marriage, she was known as Fanny Mary Whitehead.
Letter written by Agnes Boucicault to Corney Grain, December Box 1 Folder 9 28, 18-- Biographical / Historical
Agnes Robertson, Mrs. Dion Boucicault (1833-1916) was an English actress.
Letter written by John Clayton to Corney Grain, May 25, 18-- Box 1 Folder 10 Biographical / Historical
John Clayton [John Alfred Clayon Calthorpe] 1845-1888 was an English actor.
Letter written by F.C. Burnand to Corney Grain, December 20, Box 1 Folder 11 18--
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Biographical / Historical
Sir Francis Cowley Burnand (1836-1917) was an English comic writer, playwright and editor of the humor magazine, Punch.
Letter written by F.C. Burnand to Corney Grain, June 16, 18-- Box 1 Folder 12 Biographical / Historical
Sir Francis Cowley Burnand (1836-1917) was an English comic writer, playwright and editor of the humor magazine, Punch.
Letter written by Frederic Clay to Corney Grain, March 16, 18-- Box 1 Folder 13 Biographical / Historical
Frederic Clay (1838-1889) was an English composer. He was a great friend of Arthur Sullivan, wrote four comic operas with W.S. Gilbert and introduced the two men.
Letter written by Augustin Daly to Corney Grain, March 6, 1879 Box 1 Folder 14 Biographical / Historical
Augustin Daly (1838-1899) was an American theatrical impressario and theatre manager.
Letter written by Corney Grain to Lady Kinnaird, ca. 1870s-1880s Box 1 Folder 15 Biographical / Historical
Mary Jane Lady Kinnaird (1816-1888) was an English philanthropist and a founder of the Young Women's Christian Association.
Letter written by Corney Grain to Mrs. Sclater, ca. 1870s-1880s Box 1 Folder 17
Letter written by Corney Grain to Mrs. Stewart-Brown, July 29, Box 1 Folder 18 18--
Letter written by Corney Grain to Miss Clarke, July 13, 1879 Box 1 Folder 18
Letter written by Corney Grain to E.G. Rose, ca. 1870s-1880s Box 1 Folder 19
Letter written by George Grossmith to Corney Grain, October 2, Box 1 Folder 20 18-- Biographical / Historical
George Grossmith (1847-1912) was an English society entertainer who originated most of the light baritone roles for Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas.
Letter written by John Hare to Corney Grain, ca. 1870s-1880s Box 1 Folder 21
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Biographical / Historical
Sir John Hare (1844-1921) was an English actor and manager of the St. James' Theatre and the Garrick Theatre in London.
Letter written by David James to Corney Grain, July 10, 1884 Box 1 Folder 22 Biographical / Historical
David James (1839-1893) was an English comic actor and one of the founders of the Vaudeville Theatre in London.
Letter written by Madge Kendal to Corney Grain, ca. 1870s-1880s Box 1 Folder 23 Biographical / Historical
Dame Madge Kendal (1848-1935), born Margaret Shafto Robertson, was an English actress. Together with her husband, W.H. Kendal, she became an important theatre manager.
Letter written by W.H. Kendal to Corney Grain, June 26, 1882 Box 1 Folder 24 Biographical / Historical
W.H. Kendal (1843-1917) was an English actor, often appearing with his wife as Mr. and Mrs. Kendal. In the 1870's they starred in several of W.S. Gilbert's "fairy comedies." In the 1880's he was, with his wife, an important theatre manager
Letter written by Kate Lewis to Corney Grain, May 23 [1879] Box 1 Folder 25 Biographical / Historical
Kate Terry (1844-1924) was an important English actress. She married Arthur Lewis in 1867. "100 (pound) Reward" was produced at St. George's Hall under the management of Alfred Reed and R. Corney Grain May 27, 1879 with words by Arthur Law and music by Corney Grain.
Letter written by Priscilla Reed to Corney Grain, March 28, 18-- Box 1 Folder 26 Biographical / Historical
Priscilla Reed (1818-1895), an English actress, was born Priscilla Horton. After marrying Thomas German Reed in 1844, she was known as Mrs. German Reed. She and her husband established the Gallery of Illustration in London which introduced six of W.S. Gilbert's early short operas, and for which Corney Grain was a regular entertainer.
Letter written by E. Linley Sambourne to Corney Grain, ca. Box 1 Folder 27 1870s-1880s
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Biographical / Historical
Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910) was a cartoonist for the humor magazine, Punch.
Letter written by Clement Scott to Corney Grain, October 1, 1879 Box 1 Folder 28 Biographical / Historical
Clement Scott (1841-1904) was an influential English theatre critic.
Letter written by Charles Wyndham to Corney Grain, June 6, 18-- Box 1 Folder 29 Biographical / Historical
Sir Charles Wyndham (1837-1919) was an English actor- manager. The Green Room Club, established in 1877, was a London gentlemen's club, primarily for the theatrical crowd.
Letter written by Edmund Yates to Corney Grain, November 22, Box 1 Folder 30 1876 Biographical / Historical
Edmund Yates (1831-1894) was an English novelist and editor of literary journals.
Letter written by J.L. Toole to Corney Grain, March 29, 1885 Box 1 Folder 31 Biographical / Historical
John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906) was an English comic actor, actor-manager and theatrical producer. He played the title role in Gilbert and Sullivan's first collaboration, "Thespis" (1871).
Letter written by Corney Grain to Mrs. Watkin, March 30, 1894 Box 1 Folder 32
Photograph of Corney Grain, ca. 1880 Box 1 Folder 33 Scope and Contents
Cabinet photograph, with autograph signature "R. Corney Grain." London: Alexander Bassano.
Photograph of Corney Grain, ca. 1890 Box 1 Folder 34 Scope and Contents
Cabinet photograph of Corney Grain. London: Elliott and Fry.
Business card of Corney Grain, n.d. Box 1 Folder 35
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Scope and Contents
"Mr. R. Corney Grain, 180, New Bond Street."
180 New Bond Street was the address of a concert agent.
"The First Cigar", sheet music, n.d. Box 2 Scope and Contents
The First Cigar. Humorous Song Written, Composed & Sung by Corney Grain. London: J. Bath. 5 pp. Includes list of songs by Corney Grain and by George Grossmith.
"Pepita!", sheet music, n.d. Box 2 Scope and Contents
Pepita! Humorous Serenade. Written by Greville Matheson. Composed & Sung by Corney Grain. London: J. Bath. 5 pp. New edition with list of songs by Corney Grain.
"An Album of Humorous Drawing Room Songs by Corney Box 2 Grain", sheet music, n.d. Scope and Contents
Reynolds & Co's Concert Party Albums No. 34. An Album of Humorous Drawing Room Songs by Corney Grain. London: Reynolds & Co. 32 pp. Plate no. R&Co.2279. Contains: The Four Oss Sharrybang; Children's Voices; The Old Couple's Polka; Grandmama's Song; My Old Dress Suit; The Old Black Oss; I Cannot Sing the New Songs.
Vanity Fair caricature, August 22, 1885 Box 2 Scope and Contents
"Corney Grain." Caricature by "Spy" [Leslie Ward].
"Our Captious Critic. At St. George;s Hall" in The Illustrated Box 2 Sporting and Dramatic News, October 31, 1885 Scope and Contents
P. 165. A review of Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's entertainments at St. George's Hall, including a cartoon of Corney Grain in "Eton and Harrow."
"Mr. Corney Grain" in The Penny Illustrated Paper, May 6, 1893 Box 2
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Scope and Contents
P. 277. Engraving of Corney Grain and review of his sketch "Poor Piano."
"Mr. Corney Grain. A Chat with the Popular Entertainer at Home" Box 2 in The Sketch, May 24, 1893 Scope and Contents
P. 214. With a photograph of Corney Grain.
"Mr. Corney Grain" in The Graphic, March 23, 1895 Box 2 Scope and Contents
P. 336. Memorial of Corney Grain, following his death, with an engraivng "The Late Mr. Richard Corney Grain" drawn from Life by Leslie Ward.
"Three Popular Entertainers Recently Deceased" in The Illustrated Box 2 London News, March 23, 1895 Scope and Contents
P. 349. Memorials of Corney Grain, Alfred German Reed and Mrs. German Reed with portraits.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, ca. June Box 1 Folder 36 1875 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "A Tale Of Old China" by F.C. Burnand. Music by J.L. Malloy. Followed by "R.S.V.P." by Corney Grain. Concluding with "Very Catching!" by F.C. Burnand. Music by J.L. Malloy. 16 pp.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, ca. Box 1 Folder 37 Nov. 1876 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Matched And Mated" by F.C. Burnand. Music by German Reed. Preceded by "A Puff Of Smoke" by Charles J. Rowe. Concluding with Mr. Corney Grain's musical sketch "Our Table D'Hote." 15 pp.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1880] Box 1 Folder 38 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Castle Botherem; or, An Irish Stew" by Arthur Law. Music by Hamilton Clarke. Followed by "Our Ascot Party" by Corney
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Grain. Concluding with "A Flying Visit" by Arthur Law. Music by Corney Grain. 16 pp. includes book of lyrics.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1887] Box 1 Folder 39 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "The Naturalist" by J. Comyns Carr. Music by King Hall. Concluding with "Jubilee Notes" by Corney Grain. 2 pp. Dated in pen "June 1887".
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1889] Box 1 Folder 40 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Tuppins & Co. by Malcolm Watson. Music by Edward Solomon. Concluding with "My Aunt's In Town" by Corney Grain. 15 pp. includes book of lyrics and 5 reviews of performance.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1889] Box 1 Folder 41 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "The Verger" by Walter Frith. Music by King Hall. Concluding with "A Family Party" by Corney Grain. 15 pp. includes book of lyrics.
Program for The New Theatre, Oxford, November 21, 1889 Box 1 Folder 42 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Tuppins & Co." by Malcolm Watson. Music by Edward Solomon. Concluding with "My Aunt's In Town" by Corney Grain. 4 pp.
Program for St. James's Hall, Brighton, September 22 [1890] Box 1 Folder 43 Scope and Contents
Recital of Mr. Charles Harbury, followed by Arthur Law and Fanny Holland, late of Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Company in "Victoria Villa" by Arthur Law. 4 pp.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1891] Box 1 Folder 44 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Possession" by Walter Browne. Music by Alfred Caldicott. Concluding with "At the Pantomime" by Corney Grain. 15 pp. includes
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book of lyrics and list of Corney Grain's songs. Pencilled date Jan. 13, 1891.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1892] Box 1 Folder 45 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. Revival of "Charity Begins At Home" by B.C. Stephenson. Music by Alfred Cellier. Followed by " My Wife's Party" by Corney Grain. 15 pp. includes book of lyrics. Contains list of 1892 summer tour venues and a list of Corney Grain's songs.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1893] Box 1 Folder 46 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "All At Sea" by Arthur Law. Music by Corney Grain. Followed by "Boys & Girls" by Corney Grain. Concluding with "Our Dolls' House" by W. Yardley. Music by Cottsford Dick. 15 pp. includes book of lyrics and list of Corney Grian's songs. Pencilled date Jan. 17, 1893.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1892] Box 1 Folder 47 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. Revival of "A Moss Rose Rent" by Arthur Law. Music by Alfred Caldicott. Concluding with "The Silly Season" by Corney Grain. 15 pp. includes book of lyrics and list of Corney Grain's songs. Pencilled date of Dec. 20, 1892.
Program for St. George's Hall, London, [1893] Box 1 Folder 48 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "Dan'l's Delight" by Archie Armstrong. Music by J.W. Elliott. Concluding with "Poor Piano" by Corney Grain. Contains seven newspaper reviews of program. 4 pp.
Program for St. George's Hall, London, [1893] Box 1 Folder 49 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "An Odd Pair" by Malcolm Watson. Music by Alfred J. Caldicott. Followed by "Echoes Of The Opera" by Corney Grain. Concluding with "Box B" written and composed by Corney Grain. 4 pp. Date written in ink "July 10, 1893".
Program for St. George's Hall, London, [1893] Box 1 Folder 50
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Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "An Odd Pair" by Malcolm Watson. Music by Alfred J. Caldicott. Followed by "By Road And Rail" by Corney Grain. Concluding with "The Ugly Duckling: written and composed by Corney Grain. 4 pp. Date written in ink "Nov. 30, 1893".
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1893] Box 1 Folder 51 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "An Odd Pair" by Malcolm "Watson. Music by Alfred J. Caldicott. Followed by "Piano On Tour" by Corney Grain. Concluding with "Box B" written and composed by Corney Grain. 13 pp. includes book of lyrics and list of Corney Grain's songs.
Program and book of lyrics for St. George's Hall, London, [1894] Box 1 Folder 52 Scope and Contents
Mr. and Mrs. German Reed's Entertainment. "A Big Bandit" by Malcom Watson. Music by Walter Slaughter. Followed by "A Funny World" by Corney Grain. Concluding with "Walls Have Ears" by Corney Grain. 16 pp. includes book of lyrics.
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