Author: Kean, Charles.
Format: Three autograph letters signed in ink, to “Mr Coleridge”, dated from 1854 to 1862, 6pp over three sheets, 18 x 11cm (folded).
1). 23 June 1854; Kean declines an invitation due to the ill health of his wife.
2). 1 January 1855, 3 Torrington Sq.; “My dear Mr Coleridge, I hope you will accept the enclosed to see Hamlet on Wednesday next.”
3). 30 Dec 1862, Gresham’s Hotel, Dublin; Kean writes of his successful tour of Ireland and the hospitality of his Irish friends giving him fear of the return of gout. He is awaiting confirmation of his tour to Australia: “I shall not know positively about Australia until the delivery of the mail towards the end of next Feb 3, but I have no doubt about it, I feel certain that we shall go.” Also mentioned is a prank played by some Etonians in 1816 on John Keate [Eton headmaster 1809–1834] “with an apparently official letter correctly sealed so directing him by Royal authority to wear it as Head of a College.”
Charles Kean (1811–1868) was an Irish-born English actor best known for his revival of Shakespearean plays, and son of actor Edmund Kean.
“In late 1863 Kean and [his actress wife] Ellen came to Melbourne under contract to George Coppin. After a month’s performances in Melbourne they moved to Sydney, where they were entertained by Governor Young. In Ballarat they played ten nights in February 1864, reaping rich rewards from appreciative miners. After a series of illnesses and other vicissitudes in Melbourne they left Sydney in early July, pleased to see the back of the colonies. For Australians, however, the sober and respectable Keans provided an introduction to serious theatre.” Ref: NPG.
Minor foxing, soiling and creases, split to crease of letter dated 1862.
