James Winston Papers

This collection consists of Winston's four volumes of Theatrical Records & Memoranda (1803-1816, 1820-1830), research material for his work on the lives of various performers in the form of autograph notes, clippings and printed material. The remainder of the collection consists of manuscripts, letters by various British performers and theatre people, and documents related to the daily running of theatres, such as receipts, invoices, statements of accounts and cheques. Among the subjects of the research material and correspondents are: Tony Aston, John Braham, William Dunn, Mary King, Elizabeth Leak, Henry Lee, Louis Leoni Lee, George William Reeve, Frederick Reynolds, Sarah Butcher Ward, Thomas Achurch Ward, James Prescott Warde, Mary Anne Welsh and Thomas Welsh.

The papers consist of the following series:

1. Theatrical Records & Memoranda (Box 1) are four volumes arranged chronologically. The volumes cover the years 1803-1816, 1820-1830, and contain an account of Winston's employment at Drury Lane; the volumes also contain accounts of the performances in both major and minor theatres throughout the country. In Volumes II-IV, Winston also includes his own personal observations which make the volumes more like diaries rather than just lists recording facts about performers and theatres. Please note all four volumes are in fragile condition so please handle carefully.

2. Research Material (Box 2) is arranged alphabetically by the name of each actor and actress. This material consists of Winston's research on the lives of various performers in the form of autograph notes, clippings and printed material. It appears to be only a small portion of his research as the names covered are chiefly "L," "R" and "W."

3. Manuscripts, Documents & Correspondence (Boxes 3-4) are arranged alphabetically by author. The material was originally interfiled with the Research Material but for purposes of cataloging, this manuscript material was removed and cataloged separately. This material includes two manuscripts about Tony Aston copied out by James Winston but mainly consists of letters by various British performers and theatre people to Robert William Elliston and James Winston; also included are documents related to the daily running of theatres, such as receipts, invoices, statements of accounts and cheques.