Description
This collection contains the papers of English journalist Edward Frederick Smyth Pigott (1824-1895), chiefly consisting of
personal and professional correspondence both from his work as a journalist and as
the Examiner of Plays (a position he held from 1874-1895). Notable correspondents include Wilkie Collins, Francis George Seymour
(Marquess of Hertford), Richard Monckton Milnes (Baron Houghton), Henry Du Pré
Labouchere, Theodore Martin, John Everett Millais, Spencer Cecil Brabazon
Ponsonby-Fane, Goldwin Smith, and Edmund Hodgson Yates.
Background
Edward Frederick Smyth Pigott (1824-1895), was a member of the Pigott family, long
settled in north Somerset, England. He was a fellow student with Wilkie Collins at
Lincoln’s Inn, then a journalist with The Daily News and The Leader.
in 1874, Pigott was appointed to the position of Deputy Licensership of Plays in the
Lord Chamberlain’s Office, a position he held until his death in 1895. Pigott never
married, but in the 1850s, his nephew Henry Drummond Smyth Pigott, resided with him
and, it appears, assisted his uncle with his correspondence and work.
Extent
446 pieces in 8 boxes.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to
quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such
activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is
one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services
Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.