The lay figure. An original farce in one act

London, 1850. Written on blue paper. Original vellum. An unpublished play about an artist who is afraid to make love.

Braham (1824-77) was an instructor of musketry in the Royal Berks Militia. He was the youngest son of John Braham (1774-1856), considered the greatest English tenor and composer of all time. Noted for his splended voice and keen business sense, he made his debut at the Royalty Theatre in 1787 with great success. In Covent Garden at the Drury Lane Company, he produced many of his own operas, and built the St. James Theatre. His “Death of Abercrombie” and “Death of Nelson” are everlasting memorials to his brilliance.

Braham was the brother of Countess Frances Elizabeth Waldegrave1821-79), wife of Lord Chichester Fortescue, Baron Carlingford (1823-98), who with his wife inherited Strawberry Hill.

Braham was also a close friend of Edward Lear (see Letters of Edward Lear to Chichester Fortescue, Lord Carlingford and Frances, Countess Waldegrave; and Later Letters, edited by Lady Strachey, 1907 & 1911).