Gertrude Lawrence Papers, 1925-1986, bulk 1925-1952

Creator:

Abstract:

This collection contains documents relating to Broadway actress Gertrude Lawrence (1898-1952), a British-born international star of musical theatre and film. The collection primarily consists of correspondences, and also includes manuscripts, photographs, diaries, and a notebook from her position teaching an acting course at Columbia University.

Extent:

1.68 linear feet 4 document boxes and 5 oversized folders

Language:

English .

Scope and content:

This collection consists primarily of correspondences between Lawrence and her husband Richard S. Aldrich, as well as letters to and from notables of the theatre world including Brooks Atkinson, P.G. Wodehouse, Michael Arlen, Noël Coward, Somerset Maugham, Peter Arno, Beverly Nichols, and Charles B. Cochran. It also includes several manuscripts of articles and poems, two of Lawrence's diaries, and a notebook detailing her experience teaching an acting course at Columbia University in 1951-1952.

Biographical / historical:

Gertrude Lawrence (1898-1952), born Gertrud Alexandra Dagmar Lawrence Klasen, was a British theatrical performer remembered as one of the first international superstars. She had a successful career both in London and on Broadway, earning her adoring fans on both sides of the Atlantic. She performed in plays, musicals, and movies, having roles created for her by the Gershwins, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Noel Coward, and Cole Porter. Her most notable performances include the role of Kay in the Gershwins' Oh, Kay! (1926) and Anna Leonowens in Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I (1951). Her 1952 death from undetected liver cancer brought on the first dimming of theatre lights both on Broadway and in the West End. In that same year, Lawrence also taught a course on acting at Columbia University.

She had one child, Pamela Howley (1918-2005), with her first husband, Francis Gordon-Howley. She later married theatrical producer Richard S. Aldrich in 1940, who served in World War II as Lawrence toured with the Entertainments National Service Association (E.N.S.A.). Professionally, she is known for her long-term friendship with Noel Coward, with whom she performed in many notable productions such as Private Lives (1931) and Tonight at 8:30 (1935).

After her death, Lawrence was memorialized in a biography by Aldrich, Gertrude Lawrence as Mrs. A: An Intimate Biography of a Great Star (1955), as well as in the film Star! (1968) featuring Julie Andrews as Gertrude Lawrence.

Acquisition information:

Papers: Method of acquisition--Purchase. Source of Acquisition: Ken Karmiole. Date of acquisition--2014 March 21. Accession number--2013-2014-M176.

Custodial history:

The collection was assembled by collector Doris Harris of Los Angeles, California, likely in the 1980s. It is not known how Harris acquired the collection. She imposed an order on the collection and created tables of contents and inventory lists for each box, which are now located in Series VI. She also included transcriptions with key letters and manuscripts, which remain with the original documents. In 1986, publisher David Copley of La Jolla, California purchased the collection from Doris Harris and held it privately until his death in 2012. At that point, the collection was purchased by bookseller Ken Karmiole of Santa Monica, California, who later sold it to Columbia University Rare Book and Manuscript Library in 2014.

Processing information:

This collection was processed by Emily A. Hawk (GSAS 2022).

Finding aid written by Emily A. Hawk (GSAS 2022) in June 2018.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in six series.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related material:

Gertrude Lawrence Papers, 1910-1952, New York Public Library

Gertrude Lawrence Scrapbook, 1952-1953, New York Public Library

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Gertrude Lawrence Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
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535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection