C. Hayden Coffin Scrapbook Collection

This collection consists of 8 scrapbooks containing photographs, programmes and national newspaper, periodical and magazine cuttings relating to the life and career of Charles Hayden Coffin.

The scrapbooks contain materials referring to the following productions:

• Scrapbook 1: The School for Scandal, His Majesty's Theatre, 1913 and Nobby, V.C., first national tour, 1913. Also contains a letter from Coffin's co-star Sam Walsh, dated 1913. The cover of this volume is embossed with Coffin's initials.
• Scrapbook 2: Damask Rose, national tour, 1929 and The School for Scandal, Kingsway Theatre, 1929.

Born in Manchester in 1862 to American parents Charles Hayden Coffin made his stage debut in 1885 in Pocahontas and found fame in 1886 in the incredibly successful Dorothy, in which he sang as well as acted. Similar roles followed, and Coffin became one of the era's most well-loved stage baritones. His later career would see him turn to more serious drama, taking many Shakespearian roles and making a number of films.

Coffin died in London at the age of 73.

This archive collection is available for consultation in the V&A Blythe House Archive and Library Study Room by appointment only. Full details of access arrangements may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

Access to some of the material may be restricted. These are noted in the catalogue where relevant.

Gift, 2007 and 2013

Information on copying and commercial reproduction may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

This collection was appraised in line with the collection management policy.

No further accruals are expected.

See also the core collections of the V&A Theatre and Performance Department. Material relating to Charles Hayden Coffin as well as the productions mentioned may be found in several collections, including the biographical and productions files, as well as in the library collections.

Please ask for details.