COLLECTIONS OF CORRESPONDENCE AND MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENTS
NAME OF COLLECTION: GILSEY, Peter — Collection of Theatrical Admission Tokens %. Medalets SOURCE: Gift of Peter Gilsey. 1959; Transferred _____ from Dramatic Museum, 1974
SUBJECT: Theater tokens
DATES COVERED: 1671 -, 1838 NUMBER OF ITEMS: 58
STATUS: (check aDoropriate description) Cataloged: Listed: X Arranged: Mot organized:
CONDITION: (give number of vols., boxes, or shelves) Bound: Boxed:! wooden casfetored: Shelved with Dram. Library Mss., Stack 13 Vault LOCATION: (Library) CALL-NUMBER Gilsey Colin.
RESTRICTIONS ON USE
DESCRIPTION: A collection of theatrical admission tokens and medalets for London theaters, 1671-1888, and for American theaters, 1798-1871.
Nos. 11-37; 58-77 are missing from the collection*
See following pages for a list of collection. •FOR COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF EACH ITEM SEE FnLIpWING. PAGES or copy of list kept with collection 15 March 1974 Brc THE PETEP GIIS?Y COLLECTION Theatrical Admission Tokens and Mecaleta
Tray 1 1. Theatre Royal 1671 2. Queens Theatre 1684 3. Theatre Royal 1684 First Gallery 4. Queens Theatre 1684 (Bust of Queen Mary) 5# Theatre Royal 1684 6. King James's Palace 17th Century 7. Theatre Royal 17th Century Pit 8. Theatre Royal 17th Century Box (Circa 1690) 9. Duke of Cumberland's Theatre 1745 Gallery 10# Duke of Cumberland's Theatre 1745 Box Tray 5 38. Covent Garden 1809 39. Covent Garden 1809 40. Covent Garden 1809. 41. Covent Garden 1809 42. Covent Garden 1809 Box 43. Theatre Portsmouth Late 18th Century 44. Co-ent Garden 1799 Proprietor's Ticket 45. Theatre Royal, Haymarket fir. Dowton-One Box (Ivory) 46. Covent Garden 1809 47. Royal Circus Ca. 1800 Surrey Theatre Pit Tray 6 48. Drury Lane Theatre Pit 18-19 Century 49. Royal Circus ca. 1805 Surrey Theatre Pit 50. Covent Garden 1809 51. Covent Garden 1809 First Gallery 52. Covent Garden 1809 53. Covnt Garden 1809 54. Covent Garden 1009 55. Covent Garden 1809 56. 0. P. Riots' Rortrait of Kemble with fools cap (0. P. ... Old Price) 57. Satirical Medal on oc-asion of 0^ P-i Riots Trav 9 78. Free Pass Oraves.end Theatre 1850 79. Roval fobury Theatre 1830 (1318) 80. Drury Lane Theatre c. 1818 Pit (3ron2e) Sbef-'i?ld Plate 81. Holburn Theatre ca. 1866 Pit 82. Alexandra Theatre 1365 (Brass) 83. Drnry Lar.e ^heatre 1873 Her Majesty's Opera 84. Drury Lane Theatre- 1888 85. 86. Gallery Pass Unidentified (London) . Unmounted, unmounted medal Tray 10 87. Theatre - Westminster Bridge 1820 (1780) Rc^alty Theatre Raws on Alstabie Esq, (on verso) 88. Exeter Theatre 1821 Granted to Mr. Paddon's Family for Fifty Tears 89. Theatre Ro**al, Cork, Subscriber's Ticket for T-wo (silver) 1760-1 90. Edwin Forrest Born in the City of Philadelphia March 9th, 1806 1871? 91. Joseph Sheppard Munden 1799 fv SKAXATiC MUSEUM
v P5TZR GILSEY COLLECTION OF THEATRICAL ADMISSION TOKENS AND MgDAJLETS
TERMINOLOGY & ABBREVIATIONS
B. M. - British Bftiseum
K. S. - King's Side vff P. S. - Prince of Wales1 is Side
"Face" for Obverse
"Verso" for Reverse
\ 4 -
COLLECTION OF THEATRICAL MEDALETS. MEDALS, TOKENS and BONES Q from 1671 to LATE VICTORIAN DAIS.
THEATRE ROYAL. London 1671
Face - Laureated portrait of Charles XX
Verso inscribed, "Vpper Gallerie 1671" Bronze 1 inch.
Montague Guest Collection, British Museum #8. i Note: The first Theatre Royal was built in 1660. It was known also as "Vere Stre t, Clare Market". It burned down after three years and was re erected. In 1732, it became the famous Covent Garden Theatre. Nell Gwyn played at this theatre when this medalet was issued. i^M
QUEENS THEATRE? London 1684.
°^' Face with bas relief portrait of Maria
d'Este with Greaian headdress. .
Verso inscribed, "For the Pit 1684" Bronze 1^ inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #78 Illustrated
(First Gallery)
Note: The Queen's Theatre was named in honor of the
wife of the Duke of York, subsequently James II who
was crowned in 1685.
THEATRE ROYAL, London 1684.
Face with profile medallion of Charles II.
Verso inscribed, "For the First Gallerie
1684". Bronze. 1-1/8 inches. c QUEERS THEATRE, London 1684. - Face with profile of Maria d'Bste with Grecian headdress. Verso inscribed, "For the Pit 1684." Bronze 1-3/8 Inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #78 Illustrated (First Gallery)
THEATRE ROYAL. London 1684. »
/j( Face with conjugate profiles by Roettier, of Charles II and Catharine of Braganza. Verso inscribed, "For the First Gallerie 1684". Bronze 1-1/8 inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #11. Note: Charles II maried Catharine of Braganza for her huge dowry of t 500,000, exclusive of the town of Tangiers and Bombay. She took a keen interest in the arts and financed-^-ironically—the career of her ° _^ King's sweetheart Nell Gwyn. i^~>^U!$' YtU^*
ADMISSION TO KING JAMES'S PALACE", LONDON 1685. (,', Face with relief profile of King James II. inscribed "Iacobus II Dei Gratia", Verso, "King James's Palace Admittance Sixpence". Bronze 1-1/8 inches Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #696 Illustrated. THEATRE ROYAL. London XVII Century. Face with laurel wreath. Verso inscribed wPitn between floral branches. Bronze 1-1/8 inches THEATRE ROYAL, London, late XVII Century Face with laurel wreath Verso inscribed "Box" between floral branches. \ £,,/$'/#? J Bronze inches. J THEATRE ROYAL. Duke of Cumberland Medalet, London 1745. A Face with relief profile of William, by T, Pingo Duke of Cumberland,/inscribed j "Gullielmus, Dux Cumbriae". Verso, inscribed "Gallery" Bronze - 1£ inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #181 Illustrated I fib Note: William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, was the second son of George II. The year following the issuance of this medalet, he was in command of the English army at the Battle of Culloden in Scotland. He became known as the "Butcher". Medalet issued in commenoration of the above baitle. THEATRE ROYAL, Duke of Cumberland Medalet, London 1745 JO * Face with relief profile of William Duke of Cumberland, inscribed "Gulielmus, Dux Cumbriae" Verso inscribed "Box". Bronze It inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #182. VAUXHALL GARDENS TOKEN OF THE APOLLO SOCIETY. London, ca. 1750 /A Face with bas relief of Minerva greeting /> Calliope, inscribed "Tamen Inter Arma". Silver Verso inscribed "Mr. Backwell" about l\ x lj inches. Similar Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #678 Illustrated. Note: Tokens of this type wre carried on ribbons, or silver chains. Design attributed to William Hogarth. VAUXHALL GARDENS TOKEN OF THE APOLLO SOCIETY« London, ca. 1750 ' Face with Bas relief depicting Force enchained to Music. Silver Verso inscribed, "Mrs. Elizth Smith" about ljxl| inches. Similar Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #678 THEATRE ROYAL. London 1755 /$/ Face with profile of George II as Roman Emperor, signed "Kirk" ? Verso inscribed, "Covent Garden Second Gallery 1755n.^ Gilded Bronze 1 1/8 inches. Similar Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #188 First Gallery. ^ Jt Note: King George II had been on the throne five years when Covent Garden-Theatre opened in 1732 with Congreve's "The Way of the World". Preceeding it had been the Theatre Royal n and originally the site was the old CoVent Garden of Westminister. 7/ith the dissolution of the monasteries and other neighborhood changes the first nn" from Convent was lost. As Covent Garden t ivjt ^ -5- Note: (contfd ) it is often mentioned in Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century literature. The first Covent Garden Theatre from which this medalet came, was very small. At first the performances were . dull and conventional and there was little to portend its future famous history until Peg Woffington appeared there in 1740, and David Garrick in 1746. The old Covent Garden Theatre burned down on September 30, 1808. j
THEATRE ROYAL» London 1755 /¥> ' ' Face with profile of George II as Roman Emperor. Verso inscribed "Covent Garden First Gallery 1755". Bronze ^ It inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #188.
COVEET GARDEN THEATRE, London 1762 Face inscribed "Covent Garden First Gallery 1762".* Outside border with laurel branches. Verso Blank. Bronze 1 7/16 inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. Note: It appears that in the year 1762 Covent Garden was no longer called Theatre Royal. COVZNT GARDEN THEATRE, London 1762 f Face inscribed "Covent Garden Box 1736" Verso blank Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #189 1 3/8 inches.
CO VENT GARDEN THEATRE, London 1762 Face inscribed "Covent Garden Box 1762B Verso blank ' Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #189 1 1/16 inches
COVEMT GARDEN THEATRE , London 1762 ft Face inscribed "Covent Garden^Box 1762" Verso blank Bronze 1 3/8 inches, Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #189
UNIDENTIFIED , ca 1760 Face with initials "H. P. " Bronze Verso inscribed "Gallery" inches.
COVEHT GARDEN THE&TKE. London, 1766 Face inscribed "Covent Garden Theatre Two Box" Verso blank Bronze 1 inch Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #197 and 198 •( DRURY LAME THEATRE, London 1776 Face inscribed "Drury Lane Box 1776" enriched with guilloche bordre and stamped with letter nP" Verso with "342" Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #18. lj inches. Rote: Drury Lane began as an open cockpit in Tudor i times and was converted into an open air theatre during James I's reign, (early XVII Century) and was subsequently rebuilt by the famous Thomas Killigrew, favorite companion to Charles II and master of the revels. Many of Killigrew1 s plays were given at Drury Lane and in the XVIII Century, the great David Garrick appeared here as an actor aid manager producing Shakes- perian plays.
DRPRY LANE THEATRE, London 1776 Face inscribed "Drury Lane First Gallery 1776", enriched with rhomboid meander. Verso stamped with "146". Bronze lj inches Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #23." THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, London 1778 J£#/ Face inscribed "Theatre Royal Haymarket Second Gallery 1778" in rope molded frame. Verso blank. Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #159 inches. Rote: The Theatre Royal Haymarket was founded by Queen Anne as the first opera house in London. Half of the original site is now occupied by His Majesty's Theatre, and the other half by the Carl ton Hotel.
PARTHBON THEATRE, London 1790 - 1791 Face inscribed "Italian Opera Pantheon Box No. 125 Lord VT." (Viscount Courtney) Verso with relief representation of the Pantheon Theatre, inscribed "P.S. 1790 - 1" (Prince's side) Silvered copper lj inches Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #280 Illustrated (Box 28 Lady Mary Duncan) Rote: The true object of the Pantheon was for fashion- able assemblies and masquerades, but on the burning of the Kings Haymarket in 1789, it was taken temporarily for the Opera, and opened in 1791 in opposition to that was at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket which/favored by the Prince of Wales, while George III preferred the Pantheon.
j -9-
JCIflG'S THEATRE HAXMARKET, London 1791 / Face with royal crown inscribed, "King's Theatre" and dated "1791" in medallion. Verso^ "Eaymarket No. 17" ornamented with laurel branches ,k- ** Silver 1^ inches. cfr. note of next to preceding pedalet. ll
KING'S THEATRE & CONCERT ROOM. London 1794 Face inscribed "Kings Theatre for 16 Years from 10th Nov. 1794" and with Royal crown in center. Verso inscribed "No. 45 General
Ticket of admission." Silver lj inches Montague Guest Collection. B. M. #462 (For 15 years) Note: The King's Theatre, built in 1705, burned down in 1789. A new one, built on same site opened March 26, 1791. For nearly a century - until 1892 - performances w ere given there, but sometimes it was called the Queerfs Theatre, and at other times, Her Majesty's Theatre. THEATRE ROYAL COTO1T GARDEN, London 1795'- 6.. ^°* Face inscribed "Opera Subscription 1795-6". Verso, "No. 88 Lady Clarke" Rectangular Ivory Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #99. 1-5/8 z l| Note: It appears that about this time ivory or bone tokens frequently took the place of silver and bornze medalets. Such "bones" lare referred to by Charles Lamb in a letter to Fanny Kelly reproduced in Newton1 s Amenities of a Book Collector. ROYAL THEATRE CO VENT GARDEN, London 1796 . .. *?• Face inscribed "B.(box) P.S. (Prince's Side) 1796". . Verso blank Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #214 1^ inches
ROYAL THEATRE COVETT GARDEN. London 1796 Face inscribed "Covent Garden Box 1#96" Verso with Guilloche ornamentation. Bronze 1 inch, Iton^ague Guest Collection, B. M. #215.
ROYAL THEATRE C0VB3T GARDEN, London 1796 ( Face inscribed "B. (box) P. S. (Prince's Side)
Verso with goilloche wreath Bronze 1-5/6 inches,
3EW HATIOafl, THEATRS. Philadelphia 1796 Face inscribed "New National Theatre Phi^ada. Admit 2" Verso William E. Burton Octagonal silver token 1 9/16 x 1 5/8
J r ' _ PROCESS ELIZABETH'S TICKET, 1796 Face inscribed "Princess Elizabeth'3 Ticket" above royal arma. Verso "Director of the Ancient Concert No. 4" London goldsmith hallmarks of the year 1796. Cancelled Silver Gilt 1 5/8 inches i Hote: Princess Elizabeth 1770-1840 was the seventh child and third daughter of George. Ill and the ill starred Queen Charlotte. She was an accomplished artist and some of her miniatures can still be seen at Homburg Castle where she resided as the wife of Margrave of the Landgrave Hesse Homburg.
NORTHAigTOH THEATRE. Northampton 1805 Face inscribed, "Northampton Theatre Erected 1805" Verso with laurel wreath and figure "9". Silver Ig* inches Montabue Guest Collection, B. M. # 429. ( LIVERPOOL THEATRE> Liver pool, ca. 1805. ' ' ' Face, inscribed "Liverpool. Theatre Gaily" Verso blank. (Incise until after 1850) Bronze lj inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. II. #419. Note: The Theatre Royal, built for the Corporation was in Williamson Square, and opened in 1772 under Palmer. Rebuilt in 1803 as the New Theatre Royal. Became a circus in 1884 and was sold in 1885. The thirty original share- holders received five percent on their capital and one of these tickets of admittance to any part of the hours. The original issue of 1772 has the Liver bird with wings closed: where wings are volant should be dated about 1800-20.
LIVERPOOL THEATRE, Liverpool, ca. 1805 j {pi Face inscribed, "Liverpool Theatre Upper Box" Verso - Blank . Bronze l\ inches Montarue Guest Collection, B. M. #410.
J c THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKST,- London, ca. 1805 Face inscribed "Treoh Box", pierced center Verso blank +£idtt •J Bronze token to be worn on ribbon. Bronze li inches, Montague Guest Collection #169 B. M. (date 1804)
NEB THEATRE COVEKT GARDEN» London 1809 Face inscribed "New Theatre Covent Garden "B. (box) P. S. « (Prince's side) 1809*. Verso blank Bronze • Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #224 1 3/8 inches. Note: The old Covent Garden Theatre burned down on September 30, 1808, eight months after it had been rebuilt.
v NE7T THEATRE COVERT GARDEH* London 1809. Face inscribed "New Theatre Covent Garden "B. (box) P.S.(Prince's Side) 1809." Bronze Verso blank 1 1/8 inches -15-
NE7T THEATRE COVENT GARDEN. London 1809 /-'•/-' Face inscribed nNew Theatre Co vent Garden B. (box) P.S. (Prince's Side) 1809".- Verso with-letter "P". Bronze Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #224. {had been silvered) 1 5/16 inches
NEW THEATRE COVENT GARDEN, London 1809 7/1 Face inscribed, as above with piercing at bottom for ribbon,
Verso blank Bronze 1 5/16 inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #229
NEST THEATRE COVENT GARDEN, London 1809 Face inscribed, ttNew Theatre Covent Garden 1809 Box" Verso with letter nPn. Bronze 1 1/8 Inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. # c THEATRE PORTSMOUTH, late 18th Century
¥3. Face inscribed, "Theatre Portsmouth" framed in riband. >o^ I"7?d Verso with, "Mr. Simson. This ticket admits two on the Manager's night3" Silver To be worn on chain or ribbon. inches.
COVENT GARDEN THEATRE, London 1799 Face inscribed, " Covent Garden Theatre 1799." Verso "Proprietor's Ticket Box 181" Bone inches
THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, Subscriber's Ticket London 1805 / A Face inscribed, "Theatre Royal Haymarket" Verso, "Mr. Dowton 1 Box 4" Ivory If inches. Note: Besides the subscribers, all performers whose salaries are above L^per week are entitled to (four) ivory tickets for Free Admission of their friends, viz: a double or single order for the Boxes, or two double or single orders for the first Gallery. All performers whose salaries do not amount * /X * to t 6 per week are totally excluded from any similar privilege - Ackerman's Microcosm of London, 1808. ^-'• p' *~* ' Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #169 Mr. Ledger 1804 r-17-
COVBNT GARDEN. London 1809 Face inscribed, "New Theatre Covent Garden B. (box) P.S. (Prince's Side) 1809" Bronze Verso blank 1 3/8 inches M%tague Guest Collection, B. M. # 224
THEATRE, London ca. 1800 Face inscribed, "Royal Circus Surrey Theatre Pit" Verso blank Bronze 1 5/16 inches M%tague Guest Collection, B. M. #304. ; This theatre, which began its career as an afflPhi Hieatre in 1771, wa3 then known as The Surrey. 111 17**S, it became the Royal Circus, with only
cniWpHu as performer35 the idea being to make it a
school for actors. And equine performers were first intro^lced to the London stage at this theatre. Here ^^peared the first canine actors. In face, two ftele& and Victor, became so popular it was neces- sary ^ hold daily receptions so that the public could
"•taffl. For a time, dramatic pieces in which dogs aptg became the rage, and the actors who owned dfc^s were called "dog stars". The Royal Circus and
Surrey c DRUR3E LANE THEATRE, 18 th -195h Century yO Face-inscribed, "Drury Lane" Theatre Pitn Verso "352" Bronze 1 1/8 inches Montague Gufit Collection B. M. #53 % SPRRET THEATRE, ? London ca. 1805 . j Face inscribed, "Circus " with a sunburst above and festoon beneath. Bronze Verso "Pit" in a laurel wreath 1^ inches. Note: Mentioned in W.~ J. Davies and A. W. Waters, - i K "Tickets and Passes of Great Britain and \\t-^ Ireland" as "perhaps not local", meaning London. NEW THEATRE COVENT GARDEN, London 1809 obr Face inscribed, "New Theatre Covent Garden First G (Gallery) K. S. 1809" (King's side) Verso blank Bronze green patine. 1 \ inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #242 . Note: The Covent Garden Theatre was built by John Rich and opened December 1732. It was en- larged in 1792 at great cost. Kemble's famous management began in 1802. The theatre was destroyed by fire in 1808 and rebuilt in 1809. M c -19- NEW GAHBEN, London 1809 Duplicate of proceeding. Bronze brown patine Mon'«gue Guest Collection, B. M. #242 1 3/8 inches REV? C0VENT GARDEN, London 1809 Duplicate of preceeding- Bronze green patine 1 3/8 inches. Mon''Hgue Guest Collection, B. M. # 242 REff C0VEHT GARDE!?, London 1809 Face inscribed n New Theatre Covent Garden P (pit) P.S. (Prince^ side)" Verso blank Monkgue Guest Collection, B. M. #236. Bronze 1* inches. RS7T CQVENT GARDEH, London 1809 Face inscribed "New Theatre Covent Garden P (pit) P.X. (Prince1s side)" Verso Blank Lead 1 1/8 inches. Mont«gue Guest Collection. B. M. #236 , I'ie "-»- THEATRE C0VE3T GARDEN.. London 1809 Face inscribed, " Hew Theatre Covent Garden, B (box) P.X. (Princ§»s Side) Bronze 1 3/8 inches Verso blank. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #224 HEW THEATRE COVERT GARDEN, London 1809 0. P. Riots (Old Price Riots) Face inscribed with protrait of John Philip Kemble wearing a foolscap, and surrounded by symbols of folly, and in- scribed, "!fy Head Aitches" "Obstinacy? Verso letters "0.P-" and marginal inscrip- Bronze tions "John Bull's. Jubilee" and "Clifford 1 inch forever" Rote: This medalet commemorates the Old Price Riots, probably the first of the sitdown strikes. Eight months after the small Covent Garden theatre was destroyed, a large new theatre, modeled after the Temple of Minerva in the Acropolis at Athens, was erected on the same site. John Philip Kemble, the famous actor-manager of the time, announced a raise in prices and the engagement of a foreign actress, Madame Catalani, Evidently the combination was too much for the theatre-going public. On the opening night, when Kemble stepped before the audience to make an address he was saluted withTgroans, catcalls, hisses and shouts of f01d Prices!f tt. This continued throughout the performance of"Macbeth" and /" Note: (cont'd) "The Quaker". The Riot Act was read from the stage, and constables and soldiers called in. For sixty-one nights, the riots continued inside and outside the theatre with increasing viience. lien wore the letters "O.P." on their hats and waistcoats, and the ladies wore the O.P. medalets on ribbons and medals. John Bull's Theatre to • . must refer/the New Theatre Covent Garden and the legend "Clifford forever" evidently refers to one Clifford who brought action against Brandon the box-keeper who assaulted his for wearing an O.P. badge in his hat, and won his case. The inscription, "My Head Aitche3n is a legend giving one of the rioters various war cries, .really an excla- mation of protest made from the stage by the manager, John Philip Kemble, introducing the mispronunciation of such words as, "aches" which he always affected. Hence, "My Head Aitches". -22- C0Y5NT GARDEN THEATRE. London. 1809- ' Satirical Medalet. Face with a relief profile of Shylock inscribed, "This is the Jew which. Shakes peare drew11, and beneath V.P. (Vox Populi) No Private Boxes" and a marginal inscription: j "Avarice and titled lust alone we blame, Yet Blush we must for *tis a nation's shame." . _ Verso, in a laurel wreath: "fthat dfye want? (Opening words of John Philip Kembel's speech) O.P.O.B. and D.PJ}." (Old Prices - Open Boxes) (Deference to Public Opinion) and a marginal inscription, "The drama's laws, the drama's patrons give, And he who lives to please, should please to live." White metal in piach-beck frame 1/3/4 inches MONTAGUE GUEST COLLECTION, B. M. #222 Illustrated. KIKG GEORGE III PASS, London 1805-1810 *o ' Face with royal arms Verso with royal crown JSllver " 1 3/8 inches J -23- 3 PASSES OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS. THE PRINCE REGENT ' SUBSEQUENTLY GEORGE IV. HANOVER SQUARE VOCAL CONCERTS. London 1815 Face inscribed, "Hanover Square Vocal Concerts 1815". Verso "H.R.H. Prince Regent". . Alloy 1 lj inches .SIMILAR TO ABOVE, DATED 1816. SIMILAR TO ABOVE, DATED 1818. SIMILAR TO ABOVE, DATED 1818. But inscribed: Face, "Vocal Concert 1818" Verso "His Royal Highness the Prince Regent". PARK THEATRE. New York 1817 t • Face inscribed "1817" Bronze Verso "Paid" 3/4 inch 5 SIMILAR TO ABOVE SIMILAR TO ABOVE But Verso inscribed "Admit". Note: Park Theatre, New York was erected in 1798. -24- Note:(Contfd)_ .. .* . on Park Row between Ann and Beekman Streets. The whole history of the New York Theatre, for the next fifty years, centered about this temple of art. MM THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET, London 1821 Face inscribed, "New Theatre Royal | Haymarket, Second Gaily 1821". Bronze Verso, blank , 1 3/8 inches, Montague Guest Collection, B. If. #170 First Gallery. Note: After Brury Lane, no London theatre is so rich in memories ef great actors as "The little theatre in Haymarket" . The Haymarket was built in 1720, by one v John Potter, a simple carpenter who had a fondness for the theatre. He gava amateur performances there. Later in 1735-1737, Henry Fielding, author of "Tom Jones" pro- duced burlesques. In 1820 the building was demolished and a new one built a little to the north of the original site. In 1821, at the time this medalet was issued, the new theatre had just opened with "The Rivals". And in this theatre the famous English comedian appeared in 1825 for one hundred and fourteen nights in"Paul Pry", for which he received fifty to sixty pounds per night - an enormous sum for an action in those days. In 1887 Beerbohn Tree's management commenced. j % PHILADELPHIA MOSEOM, Philadelphia 1821 (' ) Commemorative Medal . . Face with profile of Charles Willson Peale, inscribed "Charles Willson Peale, Founder 1784". Verso, "Admit the Bearer" (in a . laurel wreath) "Philadelphia Museum _ . | Bronze Incorporated 1821". 1^ inches Hote: Charles Willson Peale, 1741-1827. Painter- of George Washington, artist and naturalist. During the American Revolution in which he served, he painted portraits in miniature of his fellow officers, replicas of which in head size were the nucleus of the portrait collection subsequently formed as his record of the war. • His extensive collection of art and natural history commenced in '74 was installed in Independence Hall during the latter part of the 18th Century, but ulti- mately moved to a fine building on South ninth Street, Philadelphia, perhaps the first museum in this country. J THE KINGS THEATRE -London 1823 Face inaeribed, "Kings Theatre 1823" . Verso, "Marchioness of Bath,Ground Ivory Tier, Box 23 4" . lj inches. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #111 (Mrs. Panfield) THEATRE ROYAL DE L'ODEOH. Paris 1824. (fit ( Commemorative Medal, Face with allegorical profile heads and histrionic symbols, inscribed, "Moliere, Gretry, Corneille11 and signed by the sculptor, "Veyrat" • Verso, with trophies of the arts, inscribed, "Theatre Royal De L'Odeon Bronze 1} inches 1824". Note: This is a medal commemorating the seventy-fifth birthday of Andre Ernest Modeste Gretry (1741 - 1813), illustrious actor composer and director of L'Odeon which was founded in 1797 and still stands in its same location the near/Luxembourg (Ai PARtHENON. New York 1825. Face with profile of Pallas Athene inscribed, "Parthenon New York 1825" Verso, "Admit the Bearer Peale's Museum and Gallery of the Fine Arts". Bronze 1 3/8 inches Note: Charles Willson Peale after founding his museum in Philadelphia founded others in New York, Baltimore and Charleston. The New York Museum con- tained historical protraits, paintings by old mas- ters and also a large collection of fossils found by Peale, rare minerals and a multitude of curiosities. PARTHENON. New York, 1825. A contemporary slug of the preceding medalet. Lead 1 3/8 inches c fit f JOHB PHILIP K5MBLE. 1817 Commemorative Medal Face with relief profile inscribed "John Philip Kemble" add signed by "Warwick", the sculptor. , Verso inscribed "Tho* Last of all the Romans Fare Thee Well"* The rim inscribed, "Retired from the stage 23rd. JunS 1817 : Silver li inches Note: John Philip Kemble was-the famous actor "i manager of Covent Garden. i John Warwick, sCtiptor and gem engraver to the Royal Family, was an artist of the latter end of the 18th Century and beginning of the 19th. -^-29- c JOHH LISTOfl AS PAUL PHI, London 1825 F Face with John Listen's silhouette inscribed above, "Hope I Don't Intrude". Verso, in a laurel wreath Bronze "Just Dropt In" 5/4 inch. Note: John Listen, 1776-1846, a low comedian i played-Hamlet in 1805. at the Haymarket Theatre and subsequently became the most popular low comedian of the Regency. VAUXHALL GABDESS, Lambeth, London 1828 Face inscribed,. "Vauxhall 1828" under a garland of roses. Verso with lyre and inscription. Silver "Parque Argentino" lj inches- Note: This medalet was used for the Spanish fete July 8, 1828, first opened 1661 as "Spring Gardens" Vauxhall Gardens proper were founded by J. tyers, who was the proprietor from 1728 to 1767. The price of the Silver Season Tickets varied from one to two guineas, and the general admission one shilling. In 1792 the ordinary admission fee was raised to two shillings. In c Note: (cont'd) - 1821 the Gardens were disposed of for L 30,000 and were first opened as Royal Gardens in the following year. In. 1859 this famous resort was finally closed,, on which occasion there was a grand firework display, ending with a set device "Farewell forever". , SIMILAR TO ABOVE But of Bronze i Bronze lj inches. GARRICK THEATRE, London 1830 Face with profile of David Garrick inscribed, "David Garrick 1830". Verso "Garrick Theatre W & C" Brass 1 3/8 inches. (\ -51- ^ *- ROYAL COBURG THEATRE, London 1818 Face inscribed n R.C.T. GAL.1*W (Gallery) Verso blank Montague Guest Collection, B. M. # 311 Bronze Note: jCoburg or Cobourg Theatre Boyal (Waterloo 1 3/8 inches. Bridge Road). First stone laid 1816 by Alderman Goodbehere who acted as proxy for Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg; opened 1818. Called Victoria Theatre Hall in 1831 and Victoria Hall in 1881. Edmund Kean (1787 - 1873) acted at the Royal Coburg during "the $reat days of acting". The theatre declined and in Victorian days became very rough house with a rough set of patrons. Was rescued, rehabilitated and opened as a reformed Music Hall, no alcoholic drink being sold. At the "Old Vic" specially famous for its Shakespearean repertoire many of the finest contemporary English actors were schooled. -52- C ROYAL C03URG THEATRE. London 1818 Face inscribed "R.C.T. PIT 2" Verso blank _ Bronze Montague Guest Collection, 8. M. #314. 1 3/8 inches ' THEATRE GRAVESEND, Gravesend 1830 Face inscribed, "Theatre Gravesend Freen Alloy Verso, "I. Trotter" 1 3/8 inches \ ROYAL COBURG THEATRE. London 1818 Face inscribed "R.C.T.PIT ln. Verso blank Bronz Oviform' 11/8x1 5/8, Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #315. C4 DRDRY LAKE THEATRE, London ca. 1810. Face inscribed "DRDRI LAKE THEATRE PIT". Verso blank Sheffield plate Montague Guest Collection B. M. #53 (similar) lj inches. J -33- c SI.HOLBORN THEATRE. London ca. 1866 Face, "Holborn Theatre Pit" Verso, blank . Pierced for ribbon. Bronze lj inches. Montagae Guest Collection, B. M. #342 Note: The theatre for which this pass was issued was erected in 1866 upon the site of a coach-yard and stables, and was named after the thoroughfare in which it- was situated. In 1875 it was renamed "The Mirror11., and shortly after, "Duke's". It burned down in 1880. On part of its site stands the First Avenue Hotel. ft ALEXANDRA THEATRE. London 1865 Face, inscribed "Alexandra Theatre" with arabesques. Verso ornamented Bronze \\ inches Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #337. Note: This theatre is believed to be the one whieh was built in the gardens of Highbury Barn, [cxA' UJ*wU , in 1865 by Giovanelli, especially for the performance ££.t>ta/u£ ^ of farces and other light pieces, seems to have had a very brief existence. It disappeared with the gardens in 1871. - . J -34- DRURY LANE THEATRE, London 1873 oD\ Face, "Her Majesty's Opera Dmry Lane" Verso, "1873 Tuesday Box 46-2" Ivory Octagonal 1\ x 1 7/8 Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #72 (date 1871) inches. Note: The burning of Her Majesty's Theatre in 1867 brought the Italian Opera thence to Drury Lane, where seasons were given till 1877. DRCTRY LANE THEATRE, London 1888. Face, with relief of the Victory over the Armada, inscribed "Great Drury Lane Drama". Verso, "1888 The Armada 1588" Marginal inscription, "Augustus Harris's Company Every Evening". ° . Commemorative medalet of the quatro— centennial celebration of the great Gilded Bronze victory over the Armada, staged by Sir ' 1 inch. Augustus Harris, famous Victorian impressario. Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #74-75. J c GALLERT PASS, Unidentified. jQ ( Face with coronet and arms, bearing the Tudor Hose. Sheet iron stamped lj inches. LONDON GALLERT PASS. Unidentified. Probably early 19th Century. Bronze Face inscribed, "Gal." ij- inches. 10, ASTLET'S ITHEATRE, London 1780 n Face inscribed, "General Admission to the Amphitheatre West'r Bridge and Royalty Theatre J. Astley, Proprietor & Manager" Silver Verso, "Rawson Aistabie, Esq." Broad oval 1 5/8 x 2 1/8 inches. Note: A riding school was established here in 1768 by Philip Astley. In 1780 it was converted by J. Astley into a covered amphitheatre, recon- structed and called the Royal Grove, in 1786. Destroyed by fire in 1794 and again in 1803. f Note: (cont'd) - - v •_ Rebuilt and suffered the same fate in 1841. Dismantled in 1891, was (in 1922) the site of residential flats and business premises. EXETER THEATRE, Exeter 1821 Face, inscribed, "Exeter Theatre, 1821 Admit before the Curtain One of Mr. Paddons Family and Friend For Fifty Years H. H. - I. J. B.B Verso, Exeter Hallmarks . Broad Oval 1821 Silver 1 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches, J -37- THEATRE ROYAL CORg» Ireland, ca« 1820. Py / Face with lion rampant in cartouche, - inscribed, "Libertas" and the legend "Theatre Royal Cork Subscribers Ticket For Two Roger B. Evans, Esq. R. C. Burke, Lessee11 • * i Silver Gilt Verso, -Blank ljx2j inches Montague Guest Collection, B. M. #371 (similar) Note: The Theatre Royal, George's Street was built in 1760-1 on the_ model of the Grow Street Theatre, Dublin, It stood near the site of the old theatre of 1756 and was burned down in 1840. EDWIN FORREST. 1871 7 10 { Commemorative medal. Face with relief profile, inscribed •Edwin Forrest". . Verso, with laurel wreath surrounding the following legend: "Born in the City of Philadelphia, Pa. just to Opposers and to friends sincere, March 9th 1806. J. W. Jones", Sculptor, "T. W. Smith & Bronze Hartman" New Tork Founders. 3 inches. A /> -58- ^r\ ' Notes EDWIN FORREST ~ - — _ ^j; '•' - This commemorative medal is believed to be ? the original medal presented to Edwin Forrest • . on the occasion of his retirement from the stage. Edwin Forrest, (1806 - 1872) was the earliest American born actor of first rank. JOSEPH SHEPPARD MPflDEN. Commemorative medal 1799. j* Face with bast profile in relief - . •• inscribed, "Joseph Sheppard Monden" and ^. signed ty "•. G. Hancock, Sculp." --; Verso, in a wreath with histrionic emblems, in- ;.:-. scribed "English Comedian Exposer of Folly and • Dispellor of Spleen, Aged 40, 1799." Marginal inscription, "All that philosophy can teach the mind, to Steer the sinking heart and create a moral life*" ...... Bronze 2 inches, Notes (next page) -39- •*/ Note: JOSEPH SHEPPARD MUKDEN ~ | V -.. —: .-(1758- 1832) ... - - - .. _ '^y - Joseph. Sheppard Munden was the most celebrated comedian of \~ his day. Played at Covent Garden, the Haymarket, Drury Lane. According to the Dictionary of National Biography, "there are few >v .•>•••; actors concerning whose appearance, method and merits so much is . • * known". Charles Lamb, Hazlitt, Leigh Hunt and other noted con- ' %i••-)••';•_ temporary authors wrote about him. ' \; ' >^'" .*';*•'• •"&. John Gregory Hancock was a noted medallist and die-sinker of the .„ flatter part of the 18th Century (ca. 1775-1815). He lived at ^Birmingham, England and owes his reputation to his skill as an en- 'graver of tokens. He worked for Matthew Boulton of Soho Mint, and ; xv later for P. Kempson, for whom he executed-the dies of a series of ) medals commemorating British victories over the French, the Union with Ireland, Georgelll , and a Statesman of the time, as well as prize-medals, badges, tickets, etc. Nearly all are signed, "Hancock" or"I. J. Hancock" or H. Among artists who produced 18th Century tokens his name stands pre-emineAt. :