Playbill (Broadside) (Advertisement)

Romney, Lambeth, London

c1810

oblong.(6 1/2x19in)

A playbill advertising the appearance of George Alexander Gratton (The Spotted Negro Boy at Richardson's New Theatre.   Gratton (1808-1813 )was born on the Carribbean island of St. Vincent, the son of African slaves. He  had a condition called Piebaldism, a loss of pigmentation in the skin causing permanent white patches. He was sold and shipped to Britain and then consigned to the care of John Richardson(1766-1837) who exhibited him in his circus and billed him as "The Spotted  Negro Boy".  Richardson had him baptised and treated him well. He died tragically at the age of 5. Richardson buried him at All Saints Cemetery, Marlow and requested on his own deathbed (1837)that he be buried in the same vault.

Very Good. paper somewhat darkened. Print still bold. Small stain near top.

Very scarce.