(Theatrical History) A very unusual piece, a 23 x 21 in. souvenir autograph album “quilt,” being a swatch of blue denim bearing numerous signatures of Broadway greats of the turn of the century. According to the accompanying letter of provenance, the piece was the property of Mary Sullivan, a wardrobe seamstress who worked for John Barrymore and playwright, Edward Shelton. Sullivan had famous actors of the period sign her quilt in pencil, many of which she artfully embroidered over (but not all) circa 1901-1902. The signatories include Eleanora DUSE, Mary MANNERING Viola ALLEN, John DREW, Ethel BARRYMORE, Ignace PADEREWSKI, Jan KUBELIK, [Mrs.] Leslie CARTER, William GILLETTE, Maud ADAMS, William FAVERSHAM, and Julia MARLOWE. The denim swatch has been affixed to a mat and simply framed.

Some light toning and soiling, else very good.

(EXA 3914) SOLD.