Exceptional Collection of 19th Century Theatre Playbills, Animal Prints, and Historical Prints - Sarah Bernhardt Era

Overview
A remarkable assemblage of vintage theatrical ephemera and fine art prints spanning the late 1800s, centred on the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt's 1891 Australian tour. This collection represents a significant piece of theatrical and cultural history, featuring original playbills, hand-coloured animal engravings, architectural prints, and decorative panels from the Victorian era.

Collection Contents

Sarah Bernhardt Theatre Playbills (1891)
Original printed playbill advertising Her Majesty's Theatre season featuring Sarah Bernhardt's first appearance in Sydney, July 1891. The playbill announces 19 nights and 3 matinees of performances including:
- La Dame aux Camélias
- La Tosca
- Fedora
- Pauline Blanchard
- Cleopatra

Multiple copies present, showing period typography and ornamental borders in burgundy and cream. Condition: aged paper with period patina, text legible throughout. These represent authentic documentation of one of the most celebrated theatrical tours of the Victorian era.

Hand-Coloured Animal Prints (7 pieces)
A series of finely detailed hand-coloured print's depicting Australian and exotic fauna, each mounted on card stock with decorative red borders. Subjects include:
- Wombat studies
- Badger and young
- Gorilla family group
- Porcupine and offspring
- Otter studies
- Hedgehog family
- Possum and young
- Rodent studies

Each engraving demonstrates skilled hand-colouring with naturalistic detail and Victorian-era artistic conventions. Dimensions approximately 20 x 15 cm per piece. Condition: minor age-related toning, colours remain vibrant.

Architectural and Landscape Prints (4 pieces)
Hand-coloured engravings depicting European architectural scenes and landscapes, including views of town squares, buildings, and riverside scenes. Rendered in sepia and watercolour with period perspective techniques. Dimensions approximately 25 x 20 cm.

Decorative Panels - "Deed of Grant" Series (4 pieces)
Large ornamental printed panels titled "Deed of Grant" with elaborate burgundy and cream decorative borders featuring scrollwork, medallions, and architectural vignettes. Each panel contains multiple oval and rectangular cartouches with hand-coloured engravings of buildings, street scenes, and civic landmarks. Text panels contain historical narrative. Dimensions approximately 50 x 35 cm per panel. These appear to be commemorative or documentary prints from the late 1800s, possibly relating to land grants or civic records.

Decorative Textile or Wall Panel
One geometric patterned panel with radiating design in burgundy, cream, and rust tones, featuring intricate line work and symmetrical composition. Possibly a textile design, wallpaper sample, or decorative print.

Historical Significance
This collection captures a pivotal moment in Australian theatrical history. Sarah Bernhardt's 1891 tour was a landmark event, bringing world-class European theatre to colonial Sydney. The playbills are primary source documents of this cultural moment. The animal engravings reflect Victorian naturalism and the period's fascination with natural history illustration. The architectural prints and decorative panels represent the aesthetic sensibilities and printing techniques of the late 19th century.

Condition Summary
Overall condition consistent with age (130+ years). Paper shows natural patina and minor foxing typical of period stock. No major tears or losses observed. Hand-colouring remains vibrant. Playbills show creasing from handling and storage. All pieces remain legible and displayable. Suitable for framing or collection display.

Provenance
Collection appears to have been assembled and preserved as a cohesive group, suggesting a collector with specific interest in Australian theatrical history and Victorian-era prints.

Lot Details
Quantity: Approximately 16 individual pieces (playbills, engravings, prints, and panels)
Era: 1880s-1890s
Origin: Australian and European
Medium: Printed paper with hand-colouring, various sizes

This is a museum-quality collection suitable for serious collectors of theatrical ephemera, Victorian-era prints, natural history illustration, or Australian cultural history. Ideal for institutions, private collectors, or dealers specialising in 19th century memorabilia.

Sold as described. Buyer to inspect prior to bidding. Collection sold as one lot, no splitting. Suitable for professional framing and conservation. Recommend archival storage conditions.

Location of item: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD, Australia

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