Harry Lauder, Scottish Singer, Actor, Comedian. Autograph + Sketch on Stiff Card, dated 1935

Sir Harry Lauder (Aug 1870 – Feb 1950) was a Scottish singer, comedian and actor. Popular in both music hall and vaudeville theatre traditions; he achieved international success. He was described by Sir Winston Churchill as “Scotland’s greatest ever ambassador”, who “by his inspiring songs and valiant life, rendered measureless service to the Scottish race and to the British Empire”. He became a familiar worldwide figure deploying his kilt and cromach (walking stick) as icons of Scottishness to huge acclaim, especially in America.

PROVENANCE:

One of c.2,500+ items once from the collection or dealer stock of Winifred A Myers (Autographs) Ltd, St Martins Lane, London, evidenced by the quantity of Myers pre-printed envelopes and paper folders and the general ‘presentation’ of the items, many having Myers identification notes in pencil. 

Winifred Alice Myers (1909 – 1985) served as ABA (Antiquarian Booksellers Assoc) president, 1950-1952. See the ABA website for an extended article on Myers. Myers left her business, in 1985, to Ruth Shepherd, who traded from home until 2004.