Lizzie Gilmore, Early 20th century

An autograph book belonging to Lizzie Gilmore of England, and containing more than 40 pages of autographs from various personalities of the British stage in the early 20th century, including music hall and Blackface performer G.H. Elliott (1882-1962), model and chorus girl Pansy Montague a.k.a. “La Milo” (b. 1885), and actress Carrie Moore (1882-1956). There are more than 70 individual inscriptions, some dated to the first two decades of the 20th century. The notes often mention the names of theatrical venues in Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, etc., or are accompanied by drawings, clippings, or picture postcards of the actor in question. Lizzie Gilmore and her husband Robb were minor players in the world of British theater, as was their son Robbie. A picture postcard of him dressed as a clown is tucked inside the front cover. The book itself is bound in black leather with decorative endpapers and gilt edges. The paper is alternating pink, blue, and cream. An inscription on the front pastedown reads “The property of Mrs Robb Gilmore.” A previous owner has used masking tape to reinforce a weakening spine.