When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stanley Holloway (1890–1982) – Autograph letter signed, 1 page, Pyefleet, East Preston, Sussex, 5 November 1973, to F. H. Smith at the British Transport Staff College, Woking.
A warm late‑career letter in which Holloway responds to an enquiry about obtaining his comic monologues. He explains that a bookseller “would not have been much help” and directs the correspondent instead to Francis, Day and Hunter Ltd., 136 Charing Cross Road, London W.C.2, the publishers of his monologue collections. He notes the two standard volumes, Albert, Harold and Others and Sam Small and Balbus, adding that he cannot say what the present price is, “but it used to be 2/6.”
Holloway also acknowledges the correspondent’s memory of “the good old Co‑Optimists.” The Co‑Optimists were a major West End pierrot‑style revue that opened in London on 27 June 1921, devised by Davy Burnaby, and performed by a cooperative troupe of well‑known musical‑comedy and variety artists. The show ran for 500 performances, was repeatedly rewritten, and ultimately reached 13 editions before closing in 1927. Crucially, it provided an early platform for Holloway, bringing him wider national notice; a 1929 film version again featured him.
Pencil docketing at head: “Return these with instructions please”.Red‑ink instruction: “PLEASE OBTAIN!”
A strong example of Holloway’s late correspondence, with direct reference both to the publication history of his monologues and to the early revue that helped establish his as photos. All items can be returned for a full refund if found to be not as described. Complete with a digital .jpg (as attached) Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance.
Stanley Augustus Holloway OBE (Oct 1890 – Jan 1982) was an English actor, comedian, singer and monologist. He was famous for his comic and character roles on stage and screen, especially that of Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady. He was also renowned for his comic monologues and songs, which he performed and recorded throughout most of his 70-year career.
PROVENANCE:
One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil.
Winifred Alice Myers (1909 - 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.
Combined Postage
UK Based Customers:
- I can usually combine UK postage, depending on weight and size, usually 50p for each subsequent purchase, on top of highest first post cost. Please ask if in doubt.
Overseas Customers:
- I Cannot combine postage on overseas items, as Global Shipping rules don\'t usually allow it.
ShippingInformation
- I will only post to addresses registered on .
UK Based Customers:
- I aim to post items within 4 working days of payment being confirmed by .
- I usually pack and post twice a week, so, depending on when payment is received, I may post same day, or, latest 4 working days later.
Overseas Customers:
- I will only post outside of the UK if the global shippingprogramme is available on the listing. This service does not offer combinedpostage.
Returns
UK Based Customers:
- Items can be returned if found not to be as described.
Overseas Customers:
- No returns are accepted from overseas customers. If in doubt, please do not purchase. Sorry!
Thanks for looking!
