Papers of Robb Wilton (1881-1957), actor and music hall artist

This material is held atModern Records Centre, University of Warwick

  • Reference
    • GB 152 RWI
  • Former Reference
    • GB 152 RWI
  • Dates of Creation
    • c1951-1957
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 1 box (31 items)

Scope and Content

This collection contains: biographical items; photographs; scripts.

Administrative / Biographical History

Robb Wilton [real name Robert Smith] (1881-1957) was an actor and music-hall artist. Making his stage debut in his home town of Liverpool in 1899, he became well known as a radio and variety character comedian, with characters representing petty officialdom. He found particular fame during the Second World War, and was known for his opening line or catchphrase "The day war broke out…"

In 1903 Wilton married the actress Florence Palmer, who regularly performed as his partner in sketches.

Reference: Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; Busby, R., 'British Music Hall. An illustrated Who's Who' (London. 1976).

Access Information

This collection is available to researchers by appointment at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick. See http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/using

Acquisition Information

This collection was purchased by Warwick University Library on behalf of the Theatre Studies Department and was accessioned in the Centre in 1977.

Other Finding Aids

Link to full catalogue: http://mrc-catalogue.warwick.ac.uk/records/RWI

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright/Reproduction There are no restrictions on the use of this archive, apart from the requirements of copyright law.

Appraisal Information

This collection has been weeded for duplicates.

Accruals

Further deposits are not expected.