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A Small Family Archive including a Group of Love Letters and Ephemera relating to the Life and Career of Fred Gilbert who was English Theatrical Agent and Writer of Music Songs. Dating from C1870 to 1938. His most Famous Song Being 'The Man Who Broke The Bank at Monte Carlo' Frederick Younge Gilbert 1850-1903 was an English theatrical agent and writer of music hall songs. Born in London, the son of a comedian also named Fred Gilbert, he appeared in theatres as a singer before joining the office of theatrical agent Ambrose Maynard. He soon moved to the office of another agent, Charles Roberts, and began writing songs, His first successful comic song was "Did You Ever See an Oyster Walk Upstairs?", performed by Frank Roberts and by Lizzie Coote,[2] a young actress befriended by Lewis Carroll. He married Emma Huson the daughter of Frederick Augustus Hudson who was a British spirit photographer who was active in the 1870s. Hudson established his own studio in London, and worked with the medium Georgiana Houghton. He is credited as being the first spirit photographer in Britain. Gilbert set up his own business as an agent while continuing to write songs as a sideline. In 1890, he wrote the song "The Man That Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo", reputedly inspired by the true story of Charles Wells. Wells was a confidence trickster who won some £40,000 at the Monte Carlo casino, using the profits from earlier frauds, but was later imprisoned for obtaining money by false pretences. Gilbert attempted to sell the song to various entertainers, but the only one interested was Charles Coborn. He paid Gilbert £10 for the rights to the song, and first sang it in late 1891.[4] The song became a success, and Coborn continued to perform it until his death. Gilbert also wrote other successful songs, notably "Down the Road" (1893) for Gus Elen, and "At Trinity Church I Met My Doom" (1894) for Tom Costello. However, he contracted consumption or tuberculosis, and retired to Sandgate in Kent. He died in Elham, Kent, in 1903, aged 53. Includes the following ? 1) Two very deeply personal 3-page love letters written in 1873 to his lover and future wife Emma Hudson. They are deeply personal with regards to his thoughts on life, money and how much he loved her. Discusses shooting himself and how dreadful life was at the present and how much he struggles with his deep love for her. 2) A Handwritten document for his song Little Brothers Gone to Sleep. 3) Part of an early unknown poem/song by Gilbert on two sides. 4) A letter about his father and his relationship with him. 5) A letter to his daughter asking for the address of his estranged wife Emma in 1900. 6) An early letter to Emma his future wife dated 1872. 7) An early theatre playbill for Fred Gilberts ?At Trinty?s Church I Met My Doom? 8) A 1937 copy of the marriage certificate of Fred Gilbert and Emma Hudson and a 1938 copy if Fred Gilberts death certificate. 9) A part typed letter from his daughter to the BBC/Radio times and another typed part letter to Eamon Andrews and This is Your Life from Fred Gilberts granddaughter. 10) An 1894 letter from his daughter Etty Gilbert asking for a song which she can sell. Various Sizes. Condition is generally average to good. Some letters with extensive tape repairs. Edge worn in places. Age toning and light marking. More images can be taken upon request. Ref 16601.
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