Finding Aid for Adelaide Neilson papers, 1870-1911.

• Descriptive Summary
• Biographical Note:
• Scope and Content Note:
• Organization and Arrangement:
• Series Description:
  • Series I - Correspondence, 1870-1879
  • Series II - Ephemera
• Container Listing
  • Series I - Correspondence

Access:

Collection is open to the public. Photocopying prohibited.

Publication Rights:

For permission to publish contact the Curator, Billy Rose Theatre Division.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item], Adelaide Neilson papers, *T Mss 1993-003, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Custodial History:

The Adelaide Neilson Papers were purchased by The Billy Rose Theatre Division from Charles Apfelbaum, rare book dealer, and accessioned February 3, 1993.

Adelaide Neilson, one of the most popular and successful nineteenth century actresses, was born in 1848 in or near Leeds, Yorkshire, England. She was born out of wedlock and never knew her father. Her mother married a Mr. Bland and the family settled in Guiseley. The young Lizzie Ann (Miss Neilson's real name) worked in a mill and then as a nurse girl. She was about seventeen when she made her way to London where she subsequently began her acting career. Her first appearance was in 1865 at the Margate Theatre. From 1870 until her death in 1880 "she was a reigning actress of the English stage" and was popular in America as well. She is best remembered for her portrayal of Juliet.

Her marriage to Philip Henry Lee in 1864 ended in divorce. She died quite suddenly in 1880.

The Adelaide Neilson Papers consist of personal and legal correspondence and personal ephemera. Most of the letters are from Miss Neilson to her mother. These span the years 1870-1879. The legal correspondence, dated 1911, concern her brother's claim to her mother's estate. Among the ephemera are copies of her will and a lock of her hair.

The Adelaide Neilson papers are arranged in two series. They are:

• I. Correspondence
• II. Ephemera