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.
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.
This collection is arranged in six series.
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
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.
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.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Gertrude Lawrence Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Gertrude Lawrence Papers, 1910-1952, New York Public Library
Gertrude Lawrence Scrapbook, 1952-1953, New York Public Library
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
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.
Papers: Method of acquisition--Purchase. Source of Acquisition: Ken Karmiole. Date of acquisition--2014 March 21. Accession number--2013-2014-M176.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
This collection was processed by Emily A. Hawk (GSAS 2022).
Finding aid written by Emily A. Hawk (GSAS 2022) in June 2018.
2018-08-22 File created.
2018-08-27 XML document instance created by Catherine C. Ricciardi
2018-07-02 Updated record after processing. CCR.
2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.
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.
This series contains over 150 individual letters, telegrams, and other forms of correspondence both to and from Gertrude Lawrence. Some letters include transcriptions created by the original collector, Doris Harris, which are arranged adjacent to the original documents. Most letters also have annotations from Harris of dates and correspondents' names, written in pencil on the original documents.
This subseries of correspondences between Gertrude Lawrence and her husband, Richard Aldrich, consists of letters, postmarked envelopes, telegrams, and notes. The correspondences are arranged chronologically, if dated. Many of them date to the 1940s, while Aldrich was serving in World War II and Lawrence was traveling with the Entertainments National Service Association (E.N.S.A.). A majority of these correspondences are written by Lawrence to Aldrich, signed "Mrs. A.," and are penned on letterhead from hotels throughout the United States. Slips of paper with annotations from Doris Harris accompany some letters in this subseries.
Box 1 Folder 1
Box 1 Folder 2
1940 July 31 letter includes transcription
Box 1 Folder 3
Box 1 Folder 4
Box 1 Folder 5
Box 1 Folder 6
1942 December 29 letter includes transcription
Box 1 Folder 7
1943 card includes transcription
Box 1 Folder 8
Series of 12 autograph notes on personal notepaper, called "Lawrence One-a-day vitamins" for Aldrich to open during a sea voyage.
Box 1 Folder 9
Includes a newspaper clipping from 1944 February 2 issue of
Box 1 Folder 10
Box 1 Folder 11
Box 1 Folder 12
Box 1 Folder 13
Telegram contains Lawrence's commentary on the Marshall Plan
Box 1 Folder 14
Some letters include transcription
This subseries includes several folders of letters from Gertrude Lawrence to others, which are arranged alphabetically by name of recipient. Some letters are accompanied by separate slips of paper with annotations from Doris Harris. Highlights of this subseries include two letters to Lawrence's agent Fanny Holtzmann, in which Lawrence comments on the ending of World War II, and two letters to the King of Thailand, in which Lawrence defends the portrayal of the Siamese monarchy inThe King and I.
Box 1 Folder 15
Letter to Richard Aldrich's first wife. Includes transcription.
Box 1 Folder 16
Box 1 Folder 17
Box 1 Folder 18
Letter to Lawrence's agent. Includes transcription for two letters
Box 1 Folder 19
Includes typed and handwritten copies of letters to the King of Thailand about The King and I.
Box 1 Folder 20
Undated letter includes transcription
Box 1 Folder 21
Box 1 Folder 22
Includes transcription
This subseries includes approximately 150 letters addressed to Gertrude Lawrence from 133 identified correspondents, most of whom are involved in the British and American theatre industry as actors, producers, writers, or critics. The letters are arranged alphabetically by name of recipient. While the collection contains multiple letters from some correspondents, it only contains a single letter for most correspondents. Many letters are undated, although some include the month and day of the week that the letter was written. Most letters praise Lawrence on a recent performance. Other topics include thanking Lawrence for an invitation to a show, declining an invitation to a performance, offering her a role in an upcoming production, and sending Christmas and New Year's greetings. Notable correspondents include Brooks Atkinson, Jack Buchanan, Charles B. Cochran, Noël Coward and his secretary Lorn Loraine, James Laver, Jessie Matthews, Muriel du Maurier, Will Rogers, G.B. Stern, May Whitty, and P.G. Wodehouse.
Box 1 Folder 23
Box 1 Folder 24
Box 1 Folder 25
Box 1 Folder 26
Box 1 Folder 27
Box 1 Folder 28
Includes transcription
Box 1 Folder 29
Letter written in the form of a poem about Lawrence
Box 1 Folder 30
Box 1 Folder 31
Box 1 Folder 32
Box 1 Folder 33
Box 1 Folder 34
Box 1 Folder 35
Letter is in French
Box 1 Folder 36
Box 1 Folder 37
Box 1 Folder 38
Box 1 Folder 39
Box 1 Folder 40
Box 1 Folder 41
Box 1 Folder 42
Box 1 Folder 43
Box 1 Folder 44
Box 1 Folder 45
Box 1 Folder 46
Box 1 Folder 47
Includes Christmas card with photograph of Lismore Castle
Box 1 Folder 48
Box 1 Folder 49
Box 1 Folder 50
Box 1 Folder 51
Letters from Lawrence's producer discussing her casting in Nymph Errant and urging her to consider performing in Anything Goes.
Box 1 Folder 52
Box 1 Folder 53
Box 1 Folder 54
See Box 2 Folder 30 for related letters from Coward's secretary, Lorn Loraine.
Box 1 Folder 55
Box 1 Folder 56
Signed "Winifred"
Box 1 Folder 57
Box 1 Folder 58
Letter offering Lawrence the role of "Helen" in The Private Life of Helen Troy.
Box 1 Folder 59
Christmas card with four photographs of Notre Dame de la Mer
Box 1 Folder 60
Box 1 Folder 61
Box 1 Folder 62
Box 1 Folder 63
Box 1 Folder 64
Box 1 Folder 65
Box 1 Folder 66
Box 1 Folder 67
Box 1 Folder 68
Box 1 Folder 69
Box 1 Folder 70
Box 1 Folder 71
Box 1 Folder 72
Box 1 Folder 73
Box 1 Folder 74
Box 2 Folder 1
Box 2 Folder 2
Box 2 Folder 3
Box 2 Folder 4
Letter asking Lawrence to consider taking a role in his upcoming adaptation of a play called Ping Pong
Box 2 Folder 5
Box 2 Folder 6
Box 2 Folder 7
Box 2 Folder 8
Box 2 Folder 9
Box 2 Folder 10
Includes a poetic ode to Lawrence written by Hargreaves
Box 2 Folder 11
Box 2 Folder 12
Box 2 Folder 13
Letter asking Lawrence to read A.P. Herbert's Holy Deadlock in the hopes of giving her the leading role in a play adaptation
Box 2 Folder 14
Box 2 Folder 15
Box 2 Folder 16
Box 2 Folder 17
Letter urging Lawrence to take the role of Dierdre in an unnamed play
Box 2 Folder 18
Box 2 Folder 19
Box 2 Folder 20
Box 2 Folder 21
Box 2 Folder 22
Memo asking Lawrence to read a play on behalf of Ernest Milton
Box 2 Folder 23
Letter asking Lawrence to consider the title role in Lengyel's play Angel
Box 2 Folder 24
Box 2 Folder 25
Box 2 Folder 26
Box 2 Folder 27
Letter and telegram from casting director of the The Theatre Guild, Inc. discussing Lawrence's casting and salary
Box 2 Folder 28
Box 2 Folder 29
Box 2 Folder 30
See Box 1 Folder 54 for related letters from Noël Coward.
Box 2 Folder 31
Box 2 Folder 32
Box 2 Folder 33
Praise for Lawrence in Nymph Errant
Box 2 Folder 34
Box 2 Folder 35
See Box 2 Folder 30 for a letter from Lorn Loraine comparing Lawrence to Matthews
Box 2 Folder 36
Box 2 Folder 37
Box 2 Folder 38
Box 2 Folder 39
Box 2 Folder 40
Box 2 Folder 41
A poem titled "Ideas"
Box 2 Folder 42
Box 2 Folder 43
Box 2 Folder 44
Box 2 Folder 45
Letter asking Lawrence to consider taking the role of Muriel Morrison in Acquitted
Box 2 Folder 46
Includes a letter from Nichols on behalf of Cyril Butcher, who wishes to write "a full-page study" of Lawrence
Box 2 Folder 47
Box 2 Folder 48
Box 2 Folder 49
Box 2 Folder 50
Box 2 Folder 51
Telegram asking Lawrence to consider a lead role in Haymarket Granville Barker comedy
Box 2 Folder 52
Box 2 Folder 53
Box 2 Folder 54
Box 2 Folder 55
Letter from President of American Play Company, Inc. r/e a telegram from Flo Ziegfeld
Box 2 Folder 56
Box 2 Folder 57
Box 2 Folder 58
Box 2 Folder 59
Box 2 Folder 60
Letter from the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the British Red Cross Society thanking Lawrence for singing a song from Nymph Errant at the Red Cross Ball
Box 2 Folder 61
Box 2 Folder 62
Box 2 Folder 63
Box 2 Folder 64
Box 2 Folder 65
Box 2 Folder 66
Box 2 Folder 67
Box 2 Folder 68
Box 2 Folder 69
Box 2 Folder 70
Box 2 Folder 71
Letter notifying Lawrence that van Druten plans to write a play for her, and another offering criticism on Lawrence's line delivery in a 1932 December performance
Box 2 Folder 72
Letter telling Lawrence about a play performed in Budapest that von Major finds suitable for Lawrence and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Box 2 Folder 73
Letter offering congratultions on a performance of Nymph Errant
Box 2 Folder 74
Box 2 Folder 75
Box 2 Folder 76
Box 2 Folder 77
Box 2 Folder 78
Box 2 Folder 79
Letter of congratulations for a performance
Box 2 Folder 80
Box 2 Folder 81
Box 2 Folder 82
Box 2 Folder 83
Several letters include annotations of from Doris Harris with the names of potential correspondents
This series includes manuscripts by Gertrude Lawrence, including a poem, book chapter, undelivered speech, and several articles including one for The New York Times. Topics include "Women and Beauty," "Mother v. Career Woman," and a reflection on her acting career. Some manuscripts include a transcription by Doris Harris. The book chapter is accompanied by a letter from Lawrence's editor, Edward Stasheff, and a table of contents for the entire proposed book can be found in Series III at the front of Lawrence's Columbia notebook.
Box 2 Folder 84
Handwritten draft of a town hall speech, never delivered due to disapproval from Fanny Holtzmann
Box 2 Folder 85
Handwritten with edits and annotations
Box 2 Folder 86
Handwritten draft with edits, includes transcription
Box 2 Folder 87
Handwritten draft with edits, includes transcription
Box 2 Folder 88
Handwritten draft on acting, plays, and Lawrence's career
Box 2 Folder 89
A handwritten poem about Basil Dean written "with Love to Dear Mr. Director"
Box 2 Folder 90
Typed draft of first chapter for Lawrence's book, with annotations and letter from editor Edward Stasheff. A table of Contents for the whole book are is located in Box 3 Folder 1.
This series includes materials relating to Gertrude Lawrence's position teaching a course on acting at Columbia University during the 1951-1952 academic year. Documents include a letter inviting Lawrence to join the Women's Faculty Club, a list of students registered in Acting 107 and Acting 108, a list of assignments for scenes in Acting 107, and a letter from impresario André Charlot offering Lawrence his thoughts on the pedagogy of acting. The highlight of the series is Lawrence's personal notebook containing her professorial notes and the notebook's black zipper casing with Lawrence's name embossed in gold.
Box 3
Binding is ripped. "Gertrude Lawrence" embossed in Gold.
Box 3 Folder 1
First two pages contain table of contents for book. See Box 2 Folder 90 for draft of first chapter.
Box 3 Folder 2
Letter wolcoming Lawrence to the Columbia Women's Faculty Club, enrollment lists for Acting 107 and Acting 108, Scene assignments for Acting 107. Letter from André Charlot in response to Lawrence's request for teaching advice.
The series includes items and documents relating to Gertrude Lawrence's personal life. The first subseries contains two diaries from 1934 and 1945, and the second contains clippings, certificates, receipts, identification cards, and other miscellaneous documents from throughout her life.
This subseries includes two diaries belonging to Gertrude Lawrence. The first dates from 1934, is bound in floral paper, and is sealed with a lock. It contains twelve dividers separating the pages by month. The second diary dates from 1945 and chronicles Lawrence's time on the USO (United Service Organizations) Pacific Tour. The original composition book has been bound in green fabricoid by Doris Harris, who also created a partial transcription of the diary. The contents of Lawrence's 1945 diary are addressed to her husband, Richard Aldrich. Also included are newspaper clippings, a letter from the National War Finance Committee, a photograph, and a document detailing travel orders for the USO tour.
Box 3
Diary covered in plastic, and equipped with a small lock. The lock was opened and disabled in 2021.
Box 3
Diary bound in green fabricoid. Includes partial transcription. Newspaper clippings, letters, and photographs wedged at the back of the diary.
This subseries contains miscellaneous items pertaining to Lawrence's personal life. Highlights include Lawrence's baptism certificate, Immigrant Identification Card with photograph, X-rays of elbow and knee joints, and a 47-page horoscope by R. H. Naylor from 1931 predicting that Lawrence "will go far in your profession" and "have a musical or artistic genius."
Box 4 Folder 1
Typed booklet of horoscope reading by R. H. Naylor.
Box 4 Folder 2
Baptism certificate, immigration card, National Registration Card, and X-Rays.
Box 4 Folder 3
Receipts, programs, and clippings.
This series contains 52 photographs of Gertrude Lawrence, including headshots, performances stills, and personal photos. Most of the photos are undated, but some have a date on the reverse written in pencil or typed and pasted. Most publicity photos also have a copyright stamp on the reverse. Many performance stills have pencil annotations listing the title of the show. Photographs range in size from 3 ½" by 2 ½" to 13 ¼" x 10 ½". Five oversized photographs are located separately from the main collection, in Map Case 15-H-13.
This subseries contains two folders of headshots of Gertrude Lawrence. All are undated but one, which is also signed. Three headshots are marked "publicity" on the reverse and display copyright stamps from Dorothy Wilding and Cannons of Hollywood. Two folders of oversized headshots are located in Map Case 15-H-13, Folders 1 and 2.
Box 4 Folder 4
Includes headshot in Red Cross uniform, two signed headshots, and one dated 1943.
Box 4 Folder 5
Three photographs marked "publicity" on the reverse.
Mapcase 15-H-13
Mapcase 15-H-13
Double-sided headshots of Lawrence in a black dress with pearls
This subseries contains three folders of photos of Gertrude Lawrence with longtime friend and collaborator, Noël Coward, ranging in date from 1935 to 1948. Includes photos from Coward's playsTonight at 8:30,Red Peppers, andFamily Album, and at a press interview in 1947 and 1948.
Box 4 Folder 6
Includes photos from Tonight at 8:30 (marked To-Night at Seven Thirty).
Box 4 Folder 7
Photos have typed captions affixed to the reverse. Includes "Family Affairs" and "Red Peppers" from Tonight at 8:30.
Box 4 Folder 8
Three photos from a press interview, dated "1947 or 1948."
This subseries contains two folders of photos of Gertrude Lawrence with actor Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., with whom she was romantically involved. The photos range from 1934-1935, and includes photos from 1934 production of Philip Leader'sThe Winding Road(listed asThe Winding Journeyon reverse of photo) and Clemence Dane'sMoonlight Silver, as well as a photo of the couple on holiday to Cornwall in 1935.
Box 4 Folder 9
Photos of Lawrence with Fairbanks in The Winding Journey. Photographs have typed captions affixed to the reverse.
Box 4 Folder 10
Photos of Lawrence with Fairbanks in Moonlight is Silver. Photo of the couple on holiday at the beach with newspaper clipping affixed to the reverse.
This subseries contains several photos, arranged chronologically when dated, of Gertrude Lawrence in performance. Shows with multiple photos, specificallyLady in the Dark(1941) andThe King and I(1951), are arranged in separate folders. Other shows represented in this subseries are the 1946 revival ofTonight at 8:30,Susan and God, andPygmalion. Copyright stamps include Will Rapport, Vandamm Studio, Daily Herald, Condé Nast, John Meredith, Holtzmann & Holtzmann, Talbot, and Lucas & Pritchard. Three folders of oversized photographs, one of Lawrence with Bea Lille and two of Lawrence in dresses for Condé Nast, are located in Map Case 15-H-13, Folders 3-5.
Box 4 Folder 11
Photos of Lawrence as "Jenny" and with the stage crew of Lady in the Dark.
Box 4 Folder 12
Photos from Tonight at 8:30, Pygmalion, Susan & God, and singing at Selgridge's.
Box 4 Folder 13
Two photos onstage with Yul Brynner, and one in Lawrence's dressing room with a chorus of children.
Box 4 Folder 14
Unmarked photos of Lawrence in performance.
Box 15-H-13
Mapcase 15-H-13
Mapcase 15-H-13
The subseries contains one folder of personal photos relating to Gertrude Lawrence. Many have annotation on the reverse or are accompanied by a slip of paper with annotations, presumably by Doris Harris. Includes a photograph of Lawrence and her daughter Pamela.
Box 4 Folder 15
Includes photos of Lawrence cooking, on holiday, and with her daughter Pamela.
This series contains items compiled by the original owner of the collection, Doris Harris, after Gertrude Lawrence's death. Items include a series of letters responding to invitations to a screening of Star!, the 1968 film about Lawrence starring Julie Andrews, as well as two copies of journals from 1981 with an illustration of Gertrude Lawrence in Charlot's Revue of 1926 on the cover. Also included are tables of contents and collection descriptions compiled by Doris Harris, printed on letterhead from Doris Harris Autographs.
Box 4 Folder 16
Four letters to Michael Kaplan, Esq., of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Co. responding to invitations for a screening of Star!, a film about Gertrude Lawrence starring Julie Andrews.
Box 4 Folder 17
Includes a photograph of the Curran Theatre, and a copy of UCLA Librarian and The UCLA Monthly with an illustration of Lawrence on the covers.
Box 4 Folder 18
Descriptions of the collection by Doris Harris of Doris Harris Autographs.
Box 4 Folder 19
Tables of contents for the collection compiled by Doris Harris of Doris Harris Autographs. Tables do not account for every item in the collection.