CHARLES JAMES MATHEWS - AUTOGRAPH 12/11/1858 CO-SIGNED BY: WALTER MONTGOMERY - HFSID 304617

CHARLES JAMES MATHEWS and WALTER MONTGOMERY
Signature of Mathews on one side, with a handwritten note by fellow actor Montgomery on verso
Signature: "C. J. Matthews/Theatre Royal/Dublin/Dec. 11, 1858", 3½x2½. Autograph Note on verso: "Written for Dr. Beal of the/ZOA I obtained from the/great Charles on Saturday/Dec. 11th 1866 by/Walter Montgomery". CHARLES JAMES MATHEWS (1803-1878), the son of a prominent English actor of the same name, made his stage debut in 1835, in a play written by himself (The Humpbacked Lover). Mathews specialized in comedy roles, known for his subtle humor. He was also one of the few English actors able to play French-speaking roles successfully in Paris. In 1838, Mathews married actress, opera singer and theatre lessee Lucy Vestris, and together they managed London's Olympic Theatre, and more briefly Covent Garden and the Lyceum. Their management efforts were not very successful financially, but did produce some hit plays, especially The London Assurance (1841 and with many revivals). American-born actor WALTER MONTGOMERY (1827-1871) built his acting career in England, moving from amateur roles to regional theatre to his London debut as Othello (1863). Two years later, he received high praise for his Hamlet at the Haymarket Theatre. In 1867, he embarked on a prolonged theatrical tour of the US and Australia. He became a particular favorite in Australia, with praise for his Shakespearean acting qualified by observations of his odd behavior. Just before leaving Australia, he called for his favorite horse and shot it through the head. Returning to England, he resumed his stage career but found himself in some complicated romantic entanglements. These ceased abruptly when he shot himself through the head, a death ruled suicide. Right edge and bottom edge frayed. Lightly toned. Mounting residue at verso (light show-through). Minor unknown residue at top left corner of face (not affecting signature). Otherwise, fine condition.