Althea Glasby theatrical papers, programs and clippings, ca. 1892-1958

MLMSS 8185/Box 1
MLMSS 8185/Box 2X
P3/246

fonds

ca. 1892-1958

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Drawings, Ephemera

152311

0.54 metres of textual material (1 box, 1 outsize box)
1 photographic print - hand coloured - 55 x 40 cm

Harry W. Furniss or William Henry Paul Furniss was the son of Raymond Furniss, manager of the Bury Hippodrome Theatre, near Manchester. During his career his name was sometimes spelt "Furness" and he called himself Paul Furniss in Australia. He danced with the Imperial Russian Ballet (which starred Pavlova) in Britain as Paul d'Este or Paul d'Esti in the 1920's. His father was a cousin of Harry Furniss (1854-1925), the famous caricaturist who worked with Thomas Edison in film in the US, helping pioneer animated cartoon film.

In 1913-1914, Harry toured England in The Great White Chief. In 1914 he played in The Curate, and The temptress of Paris, both for the Metropole stock company. Also in 1914 he produced his comedy At the agent's. His Mother's rosary followed in 1915. He was next in Her bridal hour and then he played the Emperor in the pantomimes Aladdin and Dick Whittington (1917), in which he also danced. In 1920 he was in Medorah, dancing with Dithy Tarling (he also designed some of the "gorgeous frocks") at the infamous Alhambra in London. In 1920 he was also in My lady's dress starring Gladys Cooper, then The Romantic young lady. Also at this time he was working on an Academy picture. In 1921 he played Markovitch in Bulldog Drummond. He played an MP in His house in order and by 1923 was in The Dancers with Tallulah Bankhead. In 1924 he wrote a "cockney sketch" called London sparrows for the new Brighton Repertory Company.

Furniss met Althea Glasby in the UK where she had performed with the Old Vic. He came to live with Althea in her Mosman home at 23 Musgrave Street (ca. 1927) to produce outdoor films, or, under contract to J.C. Williamson. Althea's parents had worked with the Mosman Musical Society and Althea had lived there prior to leaving for England. Harry and Althea began their Sydney careers starring in a self-directed play The Whirlpool. Harry's first Australian play The Reformation of Annie Carey, set in Darling Point and North Queensland, followed for The Arts Theatre, St James Hall in 1927-1928. They also played in Harry's The Laughing ghost for The Arts Theatre, Mosman Town Hall. Harry played Charles II in Sweet Nell of Old Drury. Althea and Harry wrote produced and acted in several plays for The Four Arts Theatre Club.

In the Sydney Morning Herald, 23 September 1931 p.2, they are listed as classical and interpretive dance, and elocution teachers at 335 George Street. They aroused "interest" among ferry passengers because of Harry's collection of snakeskin shoes and Harry introduced the tango, jazz waltz and one-step as they were an accomplished ballroom pair. The pair knew Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard. Harry, billed as Paul Furniss, had a part in Harry Southwell's film The Burgomeister (1935) and in Ken Hall's Lovers and luggers (1937). Althea Glasby and Paul Furniss are listed as living at 114 Curlewis Street Bondi North in the NSW Commonwealth Electoral Roll (Commonwealth - Wentworth, NSW - Bondi, subdiv. of Bondi North), 1939.

Reference:
Compiled from the collection
Harry Furniss, who worked in Australia as Paul Furniss, actor, director, author, singer and dancer; and an unidentified woman - portraits, ca. 1919-1939

Originally donated to the Dennis Wolanski Library of the Performing Arts, Sydney Opera House, by Althea Glasby and later transferred to the State Library of New South Wales.

BOX 1
J. W. Glasby's scrapbook of newspaper clippings, letters, programs, and photographs, primarily relating to his performances and involvement with the Lismore Amateur Dramatic Club, Gundagai Musical and Dramatic Society, Warringah Dramatic Club, and Mosman Comic Opera Society, 1892-1899

Althea Glasby's autograph book, containing autographs, sketches, watercolours, and poetry, ca. 1910-1921

Folder 1
Newspaper clippings primarily relating to the Mosman Comic Opera Society; letters to Harry Furniss from Cyril Ritchard and management of the Playhouse Theatre, Charing Cross; Stowitts exhibition catalogues, and annotated copy of the Lyrics of Dorothy: a comedy opera in three parts, ca. 1905-1932

Folders 2-3
Australian and overseas programs, including Mosman Musical Society, Mosman Comic Opera Society, and the Old Vic; newspaper clippings; and prompt book for Dorothy, 1903-1948

BOX 2X
Harry Furniss' scrapbook of clippings from English publications relating to theatre and cinema performances, reviews, and biographical details, 1913-1928

Althea Glasby's scrapbook of clippings and programs, particularly focusing on female actors, ca. 1899-1916

Posters advertising performances by Althea Glasby and Paul Furniss: the Reformation of Anne Carey, the Laughing Ghost, and a drawing room concert in aid of St. Paul's Organ Fund, ca. 1933

Photograph of four unknown figures, three men and one woman, ca. 1895-1920

P3/246
Hand coloured photograph of Althea Glasby, likely as Portia in the Merchant of Venice, signed "Ernest H. Mills, 'At Home' studio, 185 Piccadilly."

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Approval for reproduction required:
Out of copyright: Photograph created before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Information upgraded as part of the Manuscripts Unprocessed eRecords Project 2011-2012