Scope and arrangement
This collection consists of photographs and a few photomechanical reproductions of actors and actresses primarily known for roles in Shakespearean theatre. Most of the images show the performers in costume, often for roles on the New York stage. Among the most prominent figures represented are Viola Allen, Henrietta Crosman, Walter Hampden, Lyn Harding, Adelaide Neilson, Julia Marlowe Southern, Helena Modjeska, Ada Rehan, E. H. Southern, and Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Most of the images are autographed to Somerville, although others are autographed to other people, or are simply signed. Some images are not autographed at all. The earliest dated image is from 1887 and the latest is from 1940.
Arrangement
The images are arranged alphabetically by performer's last name.