Dramatic Authors', volume of letters, 1866-1885
Scope and contents
Includes letters to Dion Bouacault Sen., 1866-1883; Stirling Coyne (Secretary of the Dramatic Authors' Society, London), 1868; J Palgrave Simpson (Secretary of the Dramatic Author's Society, London, in succession to Stirling Coyne), 1877; J H Cable, 1871 (Offered Dramatic Author' Agency in India); C J Gillon, 1875-1876 (regarding fees in New Zealand); Wilkie Collins, 1873; H J Byron; Mr Roberson; Mr Burnard, 1872; J Mowbray ca. 1870[?]. J C Williamson is also mentioned in this correspondence. This volume also contains drafts of Coppin's letters to Andrew Birrell dating from 26 May 1872 to 8 December 1877 (with a letter to Sheridan Corbyn Esq. dated 15 December 1873). Volume also contains two letters from Coppin to Alfred Dampier (dated 12 April 1885 and 28 April 1885), and from Coppin to Charles Reade (dated 13 May and 10 June 1882) relating to fees from Dampier's performance of Reader's play; letters from Coppin to Poynter (dated 22 February 1877 and 20 March 1878) regarding engaging various artists. Further, contains general news of rebuilding of Theatre Royal; mentions Carden, Emmerson, Lauri Family, Harry Rickards, Harrawood & Co. as Coppin's agents; J C Williamson; Miss Howard. Plans to rebuild Sydney theatre. Originals also include financial statements.
Dates
- 1866-1885
Biographical / Historical
Coppin was the agent for the Dramatic Authors' Society, London, and was responsible for collecting fees for Australian performances of work by author members of the Society. Many letters are between Coppin and Dion Bouacault Sen., for whose works Coppin held Australian rights.
General note
Volume containing draft copies, in Coppin's hand, of letters and statements of accounts, including fees payable, to members of the Dramatic Authors Society, London. Many letters are merely addressed 'Dear Sir' and are undated. Typescript copies of these letters are housed in BOX 79/6-7.
- box-folder: YMS MS 8827 BOX 79/13 (Text)
Repository details
Part of the Australian Manuscripts Collection, State Library Victoria Repository
328 Swanston Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
03 8664 7002