Guide to the Mary Hamilton letters


Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Published in 2008

Collection Overview

Title: Mary Hamilton letters
Date range: 1905-1926
Creator: Hamilton, Mary, 1885-1945
Extent: 0.25 linear ft. (half Hollinger document case)
Abstract: The Mary Hamilton letters contain fourteen letters to or about Mary Hamilton, an actress on the British, Canadian and American stage, covering a period of two decades, from 1905 to 1926. Seven letters from George Bernard Shaw are included.
Language of materials: English
Repository: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Collection number: Ms. 2007.031

Scope & content

The Mary Hamilton letters contain fourteen letters to or about Mary Hamilton, covering a period of two decades, from 1905 to 1926. Within this group are letters from George Bernard Shaw, Harley Granville-Barker, J.E. Vedrenne, John Galsworthy, Algernon Blackwood, Lena Ashwell, and David Belasco. The seven letters from G.B. Shaw provide great insight into Shaw’s own philosophies and the workings of early 20th century American and British theatre. Associated with the November 2, 1908 letter from G.B. Shaw is a photograph of him with his signature on the back. Letters from the others also offer much information about how theatres were managed and directed, actresses were chosen and playwrights collaborated. According to Don B. Wilmeth, Professor Emeritus of Theatre at Brown University, "the Hamilton letters will be an important resource for research into the contributions (and times) of George Bernard Shaw."

Access Points

Subject Names Subject Names Subject Topics Subject Topics Document Types Occupations

Arrangement

This collection is arranged chronologically.

Biographical note

Mary Agnes Hamilton was born in Ottawa, Canada to Bishop Charles and Frances “Fanny” Hamilton in 1885. From 1903 to 1904, Hamilton studied acting at the New York School of Dramatic Art, where she was the first Canadian to win the Gold Medal for Dramatic Art. Following her graduation from school, Hamilton moved to London. In 1907, she performed in a number of plays for the Court Theatre, including Man and Superman and The Doctor’s Dilemma by G.B. Shaw, The Silver Box by John Galworthy, and Drunella by Laurence Hausman and Harley Granville Barker. In 1910, Hamilton moved back to Ottawa, following her father’s appointment as the Archbishop of Canada, and apparently due to his disapproval of her profession, as noted in a letter from G.B. Shaw. In the 1920s, Hamilton was associated with the Copley Players of Boston and a number of theatres in New York City, though what she performed in is unknown. Later in life, Hamilton settled at her family’s estate, The Roxborough, where she died in 1945.

Access & Use

Access to the collection: There are no restrictions on access.
Use of the materials: Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation: Mary Hamilton letters, Ms.2007.031, Brown University Library.
Contact information: Brown University Library, Special Collections
Box A, John Hay Library
Providence, RI 02912
Tel: 401-863-2146
E-mail: hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION  
Acquisition: These papers were a gift from Alastair G. Maitland on 11 July 2007.
Accruals: No further materials are anticipated for this collection.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID  
Author: Finding aid prepared by Amy Greer.
Encoding: Finding aid encoded by Amy Greer 2008 April 25

Additional Information

Related material: The Quintessential G.B.S.: Selections from the Sidney P. Albert - George Bernard Shaw CollectionDon B. Wilmeth, The Sidney P. Albert-Bernard Shaw CollectionShaw Collection (Brown University)
Other information:

Inventory

Folder 1 Belasco, David to Hamilton, Mary
310 West 56th St., New York City
1 page

Contents Note: A paragraph from director/playwright David Belasco written from Belasco Theatre to Hamilton, a response to a note to Belasco from Hamilton (none of Hamilton’s letters seem to be extant). He congratulates Hamilton for the medal she won in drama school.

Genre: letter
 1905 Mar 22
Folder 2 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
Ayot St. Lawrence
2 pages

Contents Note: Shaw’s first letter to Hamilton is a half page written on both sides that comments on her performances in Man and Superman and Doctor's Dilemma. Like all of Shaw’s correspondence to Hamilton there is considerable content. The letter was written from his country home. Signed G. Bernard Shaw.

Genre: letter
 1906 Nov 29
Folder 3 Granville-Barker, Harley to Lytton, Neville
Court Theatre, London
1 page

Contents Note: Letter written by Harley Granville Barker to Neville Lytton (1879-1951), artist who created later a portrait of G.B. Shaw. Predicts success for Hamilton as an actress and comments on her father’s bias toward the theatre as a profession. Letter may be in another hand; does not match signature.

Genre: letter
 1907 Feb 6
Folder 4 Galsworthy, John to Hamilton, Mary
14 Addison Rd., London
4 pages

Contents Note: Letter from writer John Galsworthy (1867-1933) to Hamilton with his comments on her performance in The Silver Box. Warns her not to "overdo the wriggle of your back. You have still too much colour."

Genre: letter

Names:
Galsworthy, John
Hamilton, Mary

 1907 Apr 9
Folder 5 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
Ayot St. Lawrence
1 page

Contents Note: Brief note from Shaw (15 April 1907) to Hamilton. Comments on role of Violet (Man and Superman) not being available to her at present (perhaps referring to non-London productions). Signed G.B.S.

Genre: letter
 1907 Apr 15
Folder 6 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
10 Adelphi Terrace, London
2 pages

Contents Note: Half page; front and back; comments on being an actress vs. family obligations. She apparently sought his advice. Signed G. Bernard Shaw.

Genre: letter
 1908 Nov 2
Folder 7 Photograph of George Bernard Shaw
Contents Note: Photo of Shaw (3 inches X 4 inches), signed and dated on the reverse by G.B. Shaw (2 Nov. 1908). A survey of sources on Shaw has yet to reveal a reproduction of this early photo.

 1908 Nov 2
Folder 8 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
10 Adelphi Terrace, London
1 page

Contents Note: There is a gap of almost a decade before Hamilton receives another letter from Shaw in response to one from her. It is a letter, from 10 Adelphi Terrace, Shaw's London address. He writes about writing a play just for Hamilton (her apparent request) and why he has other plays that would suit her (he lists them). Speaks of the impact of the War in Canada. He refers back to her creation of Minnie Tinwell from The Doctor's Dilemma.

Genre: letter
 1917 Sept 4
Folder 9 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
Coole Park, York County, Galway
2 pages

Contents Note: Two page letter was written from Lady Gregory’s home in Ireland. He gives advice on trying to go back on the stage after a dozen years; the physical state of her father (he died in 1919); and the interest of the Coburn management in producing The Devil's Disciple and why it is unavailable (during World War I).

Genre: letter
 1918 Oct 5
Folder 10 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
10 Adelphi Terrace, London
5 pages

Contents Note: Typed letter, signed by hand, G. Bernard Shaw. Corrections in Shaw’s hand. Comments on his concept of God, Creative Evolution, the Life Force; the true ends of acting and playwriting (to make sense out of life); love and happiness (and Hamilton’s own quest for a partner). Includes strong recommendations for Hamilton.

Genre: letter
 1918 Nov 23
Folder 11 Shaw, George Bernard to Hamilton, Mary
10 Adelphi Terrace, London
1 page

Contents Note: Autographed note written to Hamilton in Boston (apparently with the Copley Players under Henry Jewett) with comments on her reprising of Minnie Tinwell and warning her not to let them push her into distorting the role, "which is exactly right." Addressed to Hamilton at 101 St. James Ave., Boston. Signed G. Bernard Shaw.

Genre: letter
 1919 Jan 27
Folder 12 Vedrenne, J.E. to Hamilton, Mary
7 John St., London
1 page

Contents Note: Typed letter (autograph signature) to Hamilton then in London from manager/critic J.E. Vedrenne offering her two tickets for the Haymarket’s Mary Rose (written after he had seen her again after many years).

Genre: letter
 1920 Dec 9
Folder 13 Vedrenne, J.E. to Hamilton, Mary
7 John St., London
1 page

Contents Note: Typed letter addressed to Hamilton at the Charlesgate Hotel, Boston. Signed J.E. Vedrenne. About a play titled Adventure

Genre: letter
 1921 Nov 21
Folder 14 Blackwood, Algernon to Hamilton, Mary
Savile Club, London
2 pages

Contents Note: Typed letter signed in hand by Algernon Blackwood (1869-1951), a writer known for his horror stories. Hamilton apparently expressed interest in dramatizing his short story "Wolves of God" (Wolves Of God and Other Fey Stories, with Wilfred Wilson, 1925).

Genre: letter
 1926 Dec 17
Folder 15 Aswell, Lena to [Mr. Ford]
Algonquin Hotel, New York City
2 pages

Contents Note: Undated letter from English actress Lena Ashwell (1872-1957) who was reared and educated in Canada and was the original Mrs. Warren in Shaw’s play Mrs. Warren's Profession.

Genre: letter