A private theatre and film literature collection is due to go on show at Kingston University, after a generous donation from the widow of renowned author Sheridan Morley.
His address book included Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Marlene Dietrich and Noel Coward, and throughout his life he amassed a library of books, personal letters, cards and memorabilia from showbiz royalty - enough to fill 90 crates.
In addition to writing more than 30 books, Mr Morley worked as a critic for national newspapers, presented radio and television shows and appeared on game shows such as Call My Bluff and Countdown.
His wife, Ruth Leon, decided his library needed a new home when he died in 2007.
She said: “When I decided to donate the library to a university I didn’t want it to be hidden away but to be used, just as it was in our house.
“Sheridan would have liked the liveliness, the fact it’s a new university and that people come here from all over the world.”
The Sheridan Morley Theatre Collection will be housed in the Learning Resources Centre, at the Penrhyn Road campus.
It will allow access to more than 4,000 books on theatre, film and performance, many signed by actors or authors, as well as scrapbooks, magazines and theatre programmes.
It launches with a VIP reception on July 6 and available free of charge for everyone else from July onward. Call Katie Giles on 020 8417 7054 or email archives@kingston.ac.uk to arrange a visit.
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