SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH INSCRIBED TO JOHN DRINKWATER

Book Description

Fine. Fine 7" x 11" studio portrait by Walery, Photographer to the Queen, on a 13" x 18" matted photographer's board. INSCRIBED "with every good wish" to John Drinkwater, fellow actor and theater manager as well as the father of the poet John Drinkwater, and SIGNED and dated 1889 by Irving. The photograph depicts Irving seated holding a book with his inscription placed vertically in the upper blank margin. Born John Henry Brodribb in the Somerset village of Keinton Mandevill, the young Irving grew up in a very religious family where he first acquired an interest in capturing an audience by watching preachers in church. Inspired by his beloved American writer Washington Irving, he changed his name to Henry Irving and began his professional acting career at the age of 18. Successful as both actor and producer, Irving in 1895, at the age of 57, became the first actor ever honored with a knighthood. Some staining and tape marks on the verso, but the photograph is sharp and clear.

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