"I acted upon Goodman's Fields Theatre for ye first time in ye year
1741.
"D. GARRICK.
"Witness,
"SOMERSET DRAPER."
Mr. Wyndham's room has one thing about it which distinguishes it from
all similar apartments in London. It is next to the stage, and by
pulling up a little red blind he can see through an aperture just what
is going on, and know exactly when his services are required.
The room is square, divided by a curtain. Strange to say, not a single
portrait of a brother actor is apparent; but, whilst the actor paints
his face, he can see many an invitation to dinner negligently thrust in
the edges of the gilt frame. The dressing-table which occupies nearly
the whole length of one end of the room is fully supplied with
countless colours, whilst a little tray is positively brimming over with
all patterns of collar studs. An egg is handy; it is intended for the
hair, as Mr. Wyndham and wigs have never agreed. There is a
writing-table and a chair or two, and an elaborate inlaid rosewood
escritoire is in a corner, against which Mr. Wyndham stands for his
portrait in the character of _Dazzle_, with his flowered waistcoat,
frilled front, and hanging fob.
Nor must the apartment in which Mr. Wyndham entertains his friends be
passed unnoticed. This is a room overlooking Piccadilly, and capable of
seating some twenty or twenty-five persons. It was dark when we entered,
but the next instant the electric light was switched on, and an
apartment was presented which may be singled out as the only one of its
kind ever built.
We were standing in the middle of a first-class cabin of a ship. Not a
solitary item was wanting to complete the illusion. The ceiling was
built low, and every article of furniture was made on sea-going
principles, even down to the table. The walls are of walnut, the panels
between being lined with exquisite sateen. Though one or two windows
look out on to Piccadilly Circus, there are many port-holes about, all
draped with old gold plush curtains. The upholstery consists principally
of a series of settees of light blue plush, which go round the sides of
the room.
The looking-glass over the mantelpiece is typical of a cabin. It is
surrounded, in the form of a framework, by a cable, the ends of which
are fastened off by diminutive anchors. Exactly in the centre, in an
elaborate frame, is the programme used on the occasion of the
performance of "David Garrick," which Mr. Wyndham and his brother actors
gave before the Prince and Princess of Wales at Sandringham some years
ago.
The very lamps suspended from the ceiling are made to sway to and fro in
case of rough and windy weather. The whole thing is an ingenious idea,
delightfully carried out, and to-night Mr. Wyndham's cabin is seen at
its best. There is to be a supper-party at the conclusion of the
performance downstairs, and the tables for the time being are burdened
down with every luxury. Fairy lamps are peeping out amongst the pines
and hot-house grapes, and the lamps hanging from the roof are surrounded
with flowers and ferns, whilst the electric light shines out brilliantly
from amongst the blossoms.
[Illustration: MR. WYNDHAM'S DRESSING-ROOM.]
_The Minister's Crime._