Louisa Drew Autograph for Martha Ford 1889 Drew Barrymore Ancestor RARE Theater For Sale

Louisa Lane Drew(January 10, 1820 – August 31,1897) was an English-bornactress and theatre owner-manager, and anancestor of the prominent Barrymore-Drew acting family (think Drew Barrymore).Professionally,she was often billed and known asMrs. John Drew.

From the collection of John T. Ford and his daughter Martha Ford.

Louisa Lane was born in London, the daughter of ElizaTrentner (1796–1887), a singer and actress, and Thomas Frederick Lane(1796–1825), an actor and theatre manager. Louisa and her mother came to theAmericaswhen she was six years old. She proved to be aprodigyplayingfive different adult roles within one play at the age of eight in 1828. As ayoung woman and strolling player, her theatrical travels took her, her motherand half sisters as far away as Jamaica andthe Caribean where oneof her step-fathers died. She returned to theUnited States in 1847 tosupport the elderJunius Brutus Booth(1796-1852).She appearedin several plays with both him and his youngest son,John Wilkes Booth(1838-1865),who would later engage in a conspiracy and stalk, later assassinateAbrahamLincoln.

With certificate of provenance from Rare Nest GalleryChicago. Catalog number PMK0006LLD

Collector Biography: Martha Ford Gresham (John T.Ford daughter)

1872, Baltimore – 1923, Baltimore

Growing up in her father’s theaters gave Martha Forda rare vantage point and opportunity to rub elbows with the prominenttheatrical figures of the 19th and early 20th century. Evidence of thisproximity is present throughout her sub-collection. Martha’s autograph book,dedicated photographs and a poem composed by Edwin Booth about her as a toddlerdemonstrate convivial relationships with the stars. From her teen years,Martha’s father worked assiduously to develop and promote her career and fromat least 1894 Martha developed a repertory with renowned Shakespearian actorCreston Clarke (nephew of the Booth brothers). Martha received positive reviewsas Ophelia in Hamlet and as Juliet. From 1890, Martha became known for herrecitation of Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner”. The national anthemenjoyed an almost fanatical revival during this period, and she was asked torecite at fairs and festivals across the country, including the 1893 World’sColumbian Exposition in Chicago. Also in the 1890’s, possibly at Daly’s Theatrein New York, Martha met Herbert Gresham, a London-born stage manager and actor.After her marriage to Herbert, Martha seems to have retired from the stage toraise her three children.

Rare Nest is selling several hundred pieces related to JohnT. Ford, Ford’s Theater and Ford’s descendants who were figures in Americantheater from 1840 – 1970. See my store, subscribe and visit category“American Theater History” for much more.