Letters and papers from W. J. Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960), commonly known as "Popie". He was a theatre historian, publicist, biographer and close friend of Ivor Novello (David Ivor Davies, 1893–1951).
Many of these papers were referenced by Macqueen-Pope when writing the Ivor Novello biography 'Ivor: The Story of an Achievement'.
The papers include a small number of original letters from Novello, reminiscences and correspondence from Novello's friends and associates including his librettist Christopher Hassall, business manager Fred Allen, novelist G. B. Stern, actresses Constance Colm, Mary Ellis, Olive Gilbert, Zena Dare, Jean Webster-Brough, actors Lyn Harding, Barry Jones, Henry Kendall, Keneth Kent, Philip Desborough, costume designer Gilbert Clark, aristocratic friends Lord Cromer and Lady Juliet Duff.
The main subjects are writings by Macqueen-Pope relating to Novello (including drafts from the biography); material relating to Novello's will; Macqueen-Pope’s role in organising Ivor Novello’s funeral (including funeral addresses by Hassall, Macqueen-Pope and Rev. E. Gwyn Evans); a memorial service; the placing of his memorial bust (by Clemence Dane) at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane; Macqueen-Pope's involvement in the BBC memorial radio broadcast; an apparently unsuccessful effort to found an Ivor Novello Fellowship; and letters from Novello fans.
An earlier programme of "I Lived With You”, has been added to the papers.
W. Macqueen-Pope (Ivor Novello) Papers,
This material is held atNational Library of Wales / Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru
- Reference
- GB 210 MACPOP
- Dates of Creation
- 1946-1956.
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 0.029 m3
Scope and Content
Arrangement
Arranged as 14 files. Ivor Novello, Letters to and from Macqueen-Pope, c.1948-1951; Novello's Circle, Eulogies and Reminiscences, 1951; Frederick W. Allen, Novello's business manager and executor, correspondence, 1946-1953; Macqueen-Pope: writing about Novello, [1946]-1951; Novello: Will, 1951; Novello: Funeral and Memorial Service, 1951; Novello: Memorial Bust, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 1952; BBC radio broadcast, 'Ivor Novello - Man of the Theatre', 1951; Macqueen-Pope: Miscellaneous Correspondence relating to Ivor Novello, 1951-1952; Macqueen-Pope: Miscellaneous Correspondence, mainly in response to Macqueen-Pope's biography, 1951; Ivor Novello Fellowship, 1954; Miscellaneous Items; “I Lived With You”; Letters to and from Macqueen-Pope (Various), 1950-1956.
Access Information
Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to abide by the conditions set out in information provided when applying for their Readers' Tickets, whereby the reader shall become responsible for compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 in relation to any processing by them of personal data obtained from modern records held at the Library.
Acquisition Information
Richard M. Ford Ltd., London. Purchased December 2020 with additional items from the same source received in February 2021.
Archivist's Note
Description of 2020 and 2021 purchase completed July 2021.
Compiled by Robert Evans.
The sales catalogue descriptions by Richard M. Ford Ltd., London was used in the compilation of this description.
Conditions Governing Use
Usual copyright laws apply.
Appraisal Information
All items have been retained.
Custodial History
Compiled by W. J. Macqueen Pope from his personal papers.
Accruals
Accruals are not expected.
Additional Information
Published
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales