THREE WILLIAM GILLETTE THEATRE ADVERTISEMENTS.late 19th - early 20th century. Including a lobby board for his iconic role as Sherlock Holmes, a painted print after Sewell Collins, 23 x 11 1/2 in., framed; Madison Square Theatre Company lithographic poster for his role as The Professor, by The Hatch Lithographic Co. New York, sight size: 30 1/2 in. x 13 3/4 in., framed; another Madison Square Theatre Company lithographic poster for his role as The Professor, by Central Lith. & Eng. Co. Chicago, 32 1/2 in. x 23 in., unframed
Estimate $300-400
HISTORY: William Gillette (1853-1937) was an American playwright, director and actor. His first play which he wrote, directed and starred in was The Professor, in 1881. In 1899 he took on the role of Sherlock Holmes, for which he is most famously recognized. During his tenure in the role he contributed several props often associated with the character, among them the curved pipe, cloak and deerstalker cap. His last stage portrayal of the detective occurred in 1932.
PROVENANCE: Gifted by William Gillette then by descent through the family.
Sherlock Holmes lobby board: Laid down. There is a repatch on the head and upper right corner.
Professor, Hatch litho: Horizontal creases and small spots of foxing throughout. Not examined out of frame.
Professor, Central litho: Not laid down. There are creases, rippling andspots of foxing throughout. There are two tears along the lefthand side - one in the upper left box, the other in the central box.
