This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2024
ANDERSON, John Henry (1814 – 74). Professor Anderson’s Great Carnival Benefit. London: R.S. Francis, 1856. Large letterpress poster for Anderson’s performance at the Covent Garden Theatre Royal, and advertising other acts including “The Drury Lane Farce of the Great Gun Trick” starring Charles Matthews. Anderson’s Bal Masque is also advertised at the foot of the bill. Flowery language advertises the show in the upper third. 29 ½ x 19 ½”. One closed tear at top repaired on verso with old paper tape, Dawes collection label to verso.As has been recorded by Dr. Dawes in his “Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities,” it was after Anderson’s Bal Masque, advertised on this poster, that the Covent Garden Theatre Royal burned to the ground. The fire took with it Anderson’s fortunes. And yet, despite the crippling setback, he rebuilt his show and was again treading the boards less than three months later.