Scope and arrangement
The collection, dated 1948 to 1961 (bulk date 1948), documents the career of actor Beatrice Lillie (1894-1989) and was compiled by her secretary Nan Stevens. The collection holds correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks and scripts.
Correspondence is mostly about Lillie's career and the entertainment industry as discussed with friends, theatrical colleagues and fans. Dorothy Greener (1917-1971), the British actor, was one of her correspondents. Some of the letters pertain to Lillie's rejection of performance materials submitted for her approval. The remaining correspondence is between Lillie and Stevens relating to work.
There are four scrapbooks with clippings, photographs and playbills. Two of the scrapbooks document Lillie's career and family. The photographs are of Lillie performing on stage and in the movies; entertaining the troops during World War II; attending events; her son in military uniform; and autographed photographs from the comedic performer Fanny Brice (1891-1951). The other two scrapbooks hold photographs of actors Eddie Albert and Judy Garland.
The collection also contains loose photographs of Lillie used for publicity purposes, performing on stage, and relaxing with family and friends.
Scripts consist of the titles Kiss Me, Kate and Remains to be Seen (annotated copy).
Arrangement
The collection is arranged by format.