New York Times (03/Dec/1898) - Shakespeare Hirst

The following is a transcription of a historic newspaper article and may contain occasional errors. If the article was published prior to 1 June 1957, then the text is likely in the Public Domain.

A sound of cymbals and bass drum comes from a flaming poster on pink paper, with blue and scarlet letterings, announcing that at "the Shakespeare House, Almondbury, Huddersfield, may be seen daily Shakespeare Hirst’s Exhibition of Paintings by the Greatest Old Masters. The most important Picture Show in the World, including the only like Portraits extant of the Immortal William Shakespeare, ... and his Favourite daughter, Susanna." Then Mr. Shakespeare Hirst declares in small blue type that you must "lay aside paltry spite and envious emotion and see the Genuine Pictures of the mighty genius and his daughter in their habits as they lived, done in oil by one of the best artists who ever drew breath in Italy, Adam of Frankfort.” Now anybody having a sixpence to spare, that being the price of admission, can take the very next steamer and get on board bound for Almondbury. But should you not have the sixpence, Shakespeare Hirst will let you in to see the show for nothing. Clash your cymbals and whack your drum, Mr. Shakespeare Hirst!