Z1054/2/1

Autograph and visitors’ book. The volume is inscribed to Ella from Lottie, 26 April 1904, but appears to contain only one autograph, in 1911. The remainder of the volume is a visitors’ book for Albert E and Ella Stringer’s boarding house at 20, Albion Road, Luton, with messages of thanks from various artistes, singers and actors mostly performing at The Palace and The Grand Theatres. The contents are not in strict chronological order. Notable contents include: p.16: publicity photograph and message from Flo and Peggie Vesta (Palace) 13 September 1924 p.17: watercolour of four acrobats performing, with a message from the four Mackwells, 23 March 1923 p.43: watercolour of child posting letter in post-box with caption ‘Post early for good digs in Luton’, by Charles Falla. p.62: pen and ink drawing of a horse’s head by Harry Cudd, July 1923 p.79: watercolour of a black man in evening dress with cloak and smoking cap holding an umbrella, signed by Massona and Boy Ronald [probably jugglers] 11 October 1923 p.97: message from Edward, Victor and Eileen: we shall tell everyone how nice no. 20 is. [Luton directories and registers of electors identify the address and the names of the Stringers].

1923-1926

From: 1923 To: 1926

item

Stringer, Ella Eva,
Stringer, Albert E.,
Vesta, Flo,
Vesta, Peggy,
Mackwell,
Falla, Charles,
Cudd, Harry,
Massona,
Boy Ronald

LUTON, Luton Albion Road, Luton Palace Theatre, Luton Grand Theatre, MUSIC, dancing, smoking, lodging houses, singing, paintings, Post Office, clothing, horses