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Fanny Davenport Actress Autograph 1881 for Martha Ford, Daughter of John T Ford.
4 x 6.5 inches
With manuscript Shakespeare quote from Much Ado About Nothing (Act 2, Scene 1), \"a star danced and when that was I formed\".
Fanny Lily Gypsy Davenport (1850–1898) wasaprominent American stage actress and manager in the late 19th century,renowned for her roles in Sardou’s emotional dramas such asFédoraandCleopatra.A leading lady in Augustin Daly’s company, she was born in London to theatricalparents and made her debut in 1862.
With certificate of provenance from Rare Nest GalleryChicago. Catalog # PMK0006FD
Collector Biography: Estate of 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.
I am 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.
