[Literature] Twain, Mark. [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1834 - 1910)
Signed "Savage Club" Photograph
Portrait photograph boldly and clearly signed on the image, "Mark Twain", 6 July 1907. The photograph is a marvelous head and shoulders image of the famed American author by Ernest H. Mills of Hampstead, 5.5" x 7.75" (visible portion), set in a mount bearing printed inscription "Mark Twain From his Brother Savages July 6th [19]07" surrounded by printed signatures of more than 200 members of the Savage Club, 11" x 14". Both the image and the mount are in lamentable condition, with significant silvering to corners of image extending inward, moderate browning, with substantial tears and wear to mount. Still, only one of these has ever been seen at auction (Christie's London in 2008) until this one emerged, and as it holds such prominence in Twain's estimation, it remains an exceedingly rare and desirable photograph with outstanding association. It has been attractively and archivally matted and floated in a museum frame under UV glass.The Savage Club, founded in 1857, is a bohemian gentlemen's club in London, "formed to supply the want which Dr Samuel Johnson and his friends experienced when they founded the Literary Club. A little band of authors, journalists and artists felt the need of a place of reunion where, in their hours of leisure, they might gather together and enjoy each other's society, apart from the publicity of that which was known in Johnson's time as the coffee house, and equally apart from the chilling splendour of the modern club."
THE SAVAGE CLUB DINNER
This portrait of Mr. Clemens, signed by all the members of the club attending the dinner, was presented to him, July 6, 1907, and his speech on that occasion opened with his appreciation of the gift: "I am very glad indeed to have that portrait ... This is the best I have had, and I am glad to have your honored names on it." This visit to England was also the occasion of Twain's receiving a D.Litt. at Oxford University..
The Savage Club would inevitably want to entertain him on its own account, and their dinner of July 6th was a handsome, affair. He felt at home with the Savages, and put on his trademark white suit for the only time publicly in England. He wrote for them one of his reminiscent speeches, recalling his association with them on his first visit to London, thirty-seven years before. The speech, containing many of Twain's wittiest observations on literature and camaraderie, may be read in full at http://www.scribd.com/doc/6798562/97/THE-SAVAGE-CLUB-DINNER. (7483)
Signed Photograph Literature