Description
Date: 1932
Theatre: Shakespeare Memorial Theatre
Performance: Opening Ceremony Souvenir
The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre first opened in 1879, but after a fire swept through the theatre in 1926, the New Shakespeare Memorial Theatre rose from the ashes and opened in 1932, of which this special souvenir celebrates.
As seen on the images, the heavy weight deckle-edged cover is rough cut on fore-edges and lower edge, with a smooth top edge. The internal pages are of thick parchment-style paper. The book is bound together with a firm thread.
It contains beautiful sketches of the theatre, plus ornate, informative yet moving articles, including:
- A message from Sir Archibald D. Flower (Chairman of the Governors) to the Builders of the Theatre
- Stratford’s Festivals: Their Birth, Growth and Significance by A. K. Chesterton
- A Summary of Events since the Theatre was destroyed by Fire
- Choice of Architect
- Description of the Theatre
- Notes on the Production of this Souvenir
The souvenir has been housed in a protective wallet and appears to have remained there since 1932 as there is no evidence of any handling.
A rare collector’s piece.