Barrett, Wilson, 1848-1904

Alfred Wilson Barrettt was an actor, dramatist, theatre proprietor and manager. One of his 27 works for the stage was set in Australia (The never-never land, 1902). He visited Australia twice in 1896 and 1902-03.

From the description of The sign of the cross [manuscript]. [1895?] (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 224360457

Wilson Barrett, an actor, playwright, and theatre manager, was raised in London, where he worked odd jobs as a child. He began acting in 1864, and joined a company based in Aberdeen. He formed his own company in 1870, and began managing theatres during this time, first in Halifax, Hull, and Leeds, later in London, including The Princess. He had his share of successes and failures, often with plays he co-wrote or adapted himself; he led his company on several successful tours of the United States and Canada. Barrett was a traditional actor with roots in Victorian values; he was widely praised by critics who shared these sensibilities, and was reviewed less favorably by modern writers.

From the description of Wilson Barrett letter to Dear A.M. Palmer, 1894 Dec. 16. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 74150126

Epithet: actor; of Add MS 42578

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000814.0x000285

English actor and manager.

From the description of Autograph letter signed : [London], to Mrs. Severn, [1884] Nov. 5. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270622956

It is not known who assembled the scrapbook. There is a name stamped on some of the leaves, an H.H. Dobbin of San Francisco, but he may have only been an owner of the scrapbook.

From the description of Scrapbook, 1884-1888. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122332748

English actor, playwright, and manager of theaters, among them the Princess Theatre in London.

From the description of Wilson Barrett letters, 1884-1889. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 63936499

Epithet: actor; of Add MS 44523

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000814.0x000286

English actor-manager

From the guide to the Wilson Barrett note to Howard Paul, 1886, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)