Add MS 81306-81590

JOHN GIELGUD ARCHIVE

81306–81590. Letters, papers, and photographs relating to the public life and professional career of Sir John Gielgud OM CH (b. 1904, d. 2000), actor and director. Partly French, Danish, Italian, Russian, German, and Hebrew. Partly copies and printed. 20^th century

Gielgud’s career has been covered in great detail, not only in his own autobiographies and books of memoirs ― Early stages (1939, revised 1987); Stage directions (1963); Distinguished company (1972); An actor and his time (1979, revised edition, 1996); Backward glances (1989); and, Shakespeare: hit or miss?; 1991, revised as Acting Shakespeare, 1997 ― but also in a number of biographies, including Gyles Brandreth, John Gielgud: a celebration (1984; revised as John Gielgud: an actor’s life, 2000 and 2004); Jonathan Croall, Gielgud: a theatrical life (2000); and Sheridan Morley, John G: the authorised biography of John Gielgud (2001). Both Croall and Morley had access to Gielgud’s surviving letters and papers. Gielgud’s letters have also been edited by Richard Mangan (2004). Presented by Sir John Gielgud’s executors, in accordance with his previously expressed wishes, August 2000. In addition, Add. 81315 consists of three small collections of letters from Gielgud, partly copies, to Mrs Mary Silverstein, to Noël Coward, and to Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, presented, respectively, by Mrs Silverstein, Mr. Barry Day, and Mr. Martial Smith.

285 vols. British Library arrangement, as follows.

A. Letters: 81306–81316.

B. Papers relating to Kate Terry Gielgud, Gielgud’s mother, and other members of the Terry theatrical dynasty: 81317–81328.

C. Juvenilia, presentation volumes, and diplomas: 81329–81334.

D. Contracts and financial papers: 81335–81339.

E. Scripts and libretti: 81340–81418.

F. Books and articles: 81419–81425.

G. Programmes and poster: 81426–81433.

H. Photographs: 81434–81524.

I. Cuttings: 81525–81589.

J. Objects: 81590.