Paul Robeson Archive from The Herbert Marshall Archives

Item Details

Celebrity

An archival collection from The Herbert P. J. Marshall archives on early 20th century film and theater feature ephemera on the renowned actor, singer, musician, scholar and athlete, Paul Robeson. Best known for his theatrical performance in the role of Othello in London and for his thundering bass voice in Showboat singing ‘Ole Man River’, this collection touches on many of the highlights of his life and career. Included are a 1932 typed letter from Alexander Woollcott, critic and commentator for the The New Yorker; a signed sepia toned photograph inscribed by Paul Robeson in ink, ‘To Pat with Best Regards, Paul Robeson’; two black and white photos of Robeson performing with a symphony; a black and white photograph of the actor in costume; a black and white photo of the actor sitting at a piano from Reuter’s and on the verso is a mimeographed publicity piece on Robeson’s desire to play ‘Othello’; three black and white promotional photos for his movie, The Proud Vally; a promotional poster regarding his recitals at Harringay Indoor Arena; a program for Plant in the Sun , a play at Unity Theatre; a program from the Polish Embassy for a musical evening starring Paul Robeson and Lawrence Brown; a spring 1949 program for the Harold Fielding Paul Robeson Recital Tour; a small black and white photo of the actor and a December 1957 card with a black and white photo of the Paul Robeson’s family inscribed by Paul and his wife, ‘This is how we all look now with ….. Paul and Essie’.

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Condition

Some yellowing, but overall it is good consistent with age.

Dimensions

The size above refers to the largest piece, the smallest is the photo portrait, 3.50″ × 4.50″.

Item #

18DCC083-116