This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2023
DEVANT, David (David Wighton, 1868 – 1941). Devant’s Own Royal Command Performance Program. Liverpool: Frank Dobson, 1913. Suede-covered string bound bespoke souvenir program, presented to David Devant on the occasion of his appearance at a private Royal Command Variety Performance at Knowsley Hall, Lancashire on July 7, 1913. Eleven oblong 4to leaves, each bearing a mounted “Velvograph Panel Reproduction” photo; the title page bearing a dedication to Devant and featuring a handsome bust portrait of Devant among pictures of the other “foremost vaudeville artists of the day” who appeared on the program. One corner clipped, wear to extremities of leather covers, else very good. A unique relic. Sold together with the bi-fold printed program for the event, bearing the royal crest in embossed gilt on the front panel.
Devant was one of just seven variety entertainers chosen to appear before the British monarchy at this event, alongside Tom Edwards (ventriloquist), George Formby (the Lancashire comedian), Neil Kenyon (Scottish character study), the Hudsons (musicians), Frank and Vesta (dancers) and George Graves and Company. Interestingly, the program was arranged with the assistance of Devant’s brother, Ernest Wighton, whose name appears on the printed program.