An interesting photo from Mr Mason. Based on the description here, I am really looking forward to your musings on this one. Good luck.
This image was reversed (from the original catalogue orientation) as per comment below.
Based on other comments and investigations, we're fairly certain that this "toff" (as described in the catalogue notes) is probably Austrian tenor and film star
Richard Tauber. If it is, it would likely push our catalogue range out to the 1930s, when Herr Tauber is known to have visited Ireland. Based on this there's a strong suggestion that the "passport" in question is actually an autograph book which he's signing for what may be gathered Irish fans...
Collection:
Mason Photographic Collection
Date: Catalogue gives "1890-1910", but may be mid 1930s
NLI Ref:
M57/7
You can also view this image, and many thousands of others, on the NLI’s catalogue at
catalogue.nli.ie
Info:
Owner:
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Source:
Flickr Commons
Views: 20569
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
I imagine he is a theatrical impresario who is auditioning the members of a 1930s Boy Band. Or not !
O Mac
It certainly looks later than the 1910 upper date range. I think the image needs to be reversed re: breast pocket and blurred signage capitals...
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] Your wish is my command.
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] I am not sure about the passport, could it be an Autograph book?
O Mac
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland That looks better!! ...Re autograph book.. I think so too. Irish and UK passports had heavy hard card covers with square corners up to the '70's and not as many pages as this appears to have. so maybe actor,singer,comedian??
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Out on a limb here - Could he be Richard Tauber? He did visit Dublin and Cork. Richard Tauber - Hamburg University
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland] Hot idea! See - www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=900376093345458...
O Mac
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland] By Jove and gollygosh I think you're right. More images here. www.richard-tauber.de/2011/08/portraits-12-aufnahmen/ He visited Dublin in 1937/38 too www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/26381872503/in/datepos...
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Richard Tauber in 1936 colour (!) movie of 'Pagliacci' - youtu.be/Cfx2LK-RP2I
oaktree_brian_1976
Indiana Jones fedora!
maorlando - God keeps me as I lean on Him!!
My dad, a WWII hero, died tragically in 1948, early in my young life, always wore a fedora... so I am particularly fond of them!!! Monocle would be correct.
RETRO STU
WOW....well done that someone identified him!
jamica1
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] Also, from the position of his hand he seems to be writing in the book.
slartibartfass13
I couldn't see the picture in the RSS feed, but clicked anyway because of the title. It did not disappoint.
Vab2009
My jaw drops in admiration of your detective skills! Well done!
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
A couple of contemporary Trove finds -
From trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171913471 and from 1936... From trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/117644042 So is this photo before or after the 1936 diet ?!ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Where is he? Outside the Theatre Royal in Hawkins Street, Dublin? (see the facebook link above). And those young men are "stage-door Johnnies"?
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Thanks all - based on all the above, we're even more certain that this is Herr Tauber. And, unlike the catalogue entry implications, that he's signing autographs (not holding a passport) with his right hand (not left) aided by his monocle (not monacle) in the 1930s (not 1910s). He does certainly look every inch the "genial toff" however, as described :)
O Mac
And here's what his autograph looked like. www.historyforsale.com/html/prodetails.asp?documentid=589...
patrick.vickers1
By coincidence a photograph of his grave, which is in Brompton Cemetery, has just appeared in the 'Dead Famous' group. R.T. was born in 1891 in Kunz, Austria and died in 1948. In his time he was quite famous and popular. He can be heard on You Tube singing 'My Heart and I' and 'You are My Hearts Delight'.. Is mentioned by The Pogues along with John McCormick in one of their songs.
patrick.vickers1
'A Golden singer with a sunny heart, The Hearts Delight of millions was his art, Now that Rich Roaring Tender voice beguiles, Attentive Angels in the land of Smiles'
Niall McAuley
I can't see that the background is the Theatre Royal. By this time we would be looking at the 3rd theatre royal, which was an Art Deco work, unlikely to feature a gothic arch. Perhaps he is outside a Hotel in Dublin or Cork?
O Mac
I thought the background blur looked like an elevated railway or bridge of some sort. It might not have been taken in Ireland at all as Mason also took pictures in NI, Isle of Man, and UK. Pity about the poor depth of field.
billh35
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyFFEs-XfQ4
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected] Bill, He was a good singer. Good to hear from you.
doveson2002
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland Not just a good one but a great one. His reputation has suffered a bit owing to the amount of light music he sang, but he was the best pre-war Mozart tenor, A particular favourite of mine is his duetting with Lotte Lehmann in Korngold's 'Die Tote Stadt', which is on YouTube I think, and shows him at his very best. My mother hated him (as a singer), and it rather put me off investigating his music for years. He was a pretty accomplished pianist as well. Cheers
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Thanks https://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]. Must go looking for that the recording on YouTube. Much appreciated!
doveson2002
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland] Charm yourself afterwards with his great contemporary (who could sing a high D without causing pain): www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZITRv1vJt8 Cheers