Papers of Phillada Sewell

Description

Boxes 1-7: contains diaries and notebooks, 1954-1996. These include letters and various insertions. The diaries contain simple notes and reminders, but give accurate dates and timelines for productions she was appearing in or producing. There is more personal and extended detail in Sewell's handwritten notebooks.


Boxes 8-10: includes Sewell's correspondence 1920s-1950 including references to post Komisarjevsky lessons. There is also a file of miscellaneous material from an envelope dated 1995.


Box 11: Richard Thompson's personal working file on Theodor Komisarjevsky;


Boxes 12-14: programmes; Theodore Komisarjevsky papers and original Komisarjevsky stage design, interview with Ernestine Komisarjevsky-Chamberlain. Also includes miscellaneous scripts and letters and obituaries of Sewell.


Box 15: photographs of Sewell; papers from productions featuring Sewell and miscellaneous scripts, 1920s-1990s.


Box 16: Programmes of performances by Nell and Peter Burra, Phillada Sewell and John Moody 1930s; Sewell letters and miscellaneous items.


Box 17 (part): original sketch of actress Doris Hilditch by Margaret Sewell; papers relating to Leonard Sachs.

Biography or history

Philllada Sewell (1910-1998) was was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Her mother was the miniaturist Margaret Ley and her father, William Sewell of the Herkomer Art School. Sewell became a stage, television and screen actress. She started her career on the radio in 1937. Sewell's first film role was in 'The Middle Watch'.


In her later career she appeared in 'A Room with a View' (1985) and 'Maurice' (1987). Sewell dedicated herself to her mother, Margaret's, well-being. She also worked to preserve the theatrical legacy of her tutor, mentor and friend Theodore Komisarjevsky (1882-1954). Komisarjevsky was a Russian theatrical director and designer, who was most influential in London. Sewell had a long association with Komisarjevsky who she met in 1930. The two became close friends and corresponded over many years. Sewell helped to raise funds for Komisarjevsky to go to America in 1939 where he established an acting school.


Sewell looked after her aunt, the concert painist Rosamond Ley (1882-1969) who was her mother, Margaret's sister. Ley had dedicated her life to Ferruccio Busoni, the pianist and composer. Sewell remained single and had no children.

Access and usage

Reproduction

Access

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