BASIL SYDNEY

Original 14 inch x 11 inch Portrait of BASIL SYDNEY by still photographer Joseph Abeles for his New York Talbot Studio and is signed Talbot in the bottom left corner by him with his official stamp on the reverse.

Sydney made his name in the London stage hit Romance by Edward Sheldon in the dual role of the priest and the priest’s nephew opposite the play’s Broadway star Doris Keane whom he married in 1918. When Keane revived the play in New York in 1921, Sydney made his Broadway debut in the parts and stayed in New York for over a decade playing classical roles. Four years after divorcing Keane in 1925 he married actress Mary Ellis.

New York theater photographer Joseph Abeles (c. 1908-1991) established his Talbot Studio in 1935 and formed the Friedman-Abeles Studio with Leo and Sy Friedman in 1957. The Friedman-Abeles firm was one of the premiere photographers of stage productions and personalities, supplying images for numerous magazine photo stories about theatrical subjects. The collection of photographic files from Abeles’ studio consists predominantly of publicity photographs for individuals in the performing arts, 1935-1975.

The portrait is in fine condition.