The Richard Burton Museum's Collection of Personal Items
Richard Burton's School Photograph, Port Talbot 1940
The first of several exceptionally rare and unique items, bought at auction, held in the Richard Burton Museum is this copy of the original school photograph from The Secondary School, Port Talbot, South Wales, dating from 1940.
Richard Burton, at that time named Richard Walter Jenkins, is pictured on the top row, the third boy from the left.
The headmaster at the time of Richard Burton's education was Mr. C. Reynolds B.Sc.
This historic item, an original and rare 1940 school photograph, was captured by George Holdsworth and Son, who titled themselves as 'Premier Scholastic Photographers' and who were at that time based in Hartlepool, County Durham.
Richard Burton, at that time named Richard Walter Jenkins, is pictured on the top row, the third boy from the left.
The headmaster at the time of Richard Burton's education was Mr. C. Reynolds B.Sc.
This historic item, an original and rare 1940 school photograph, was captured by George Holdsworth and Son, who titled themselves as 'Premier Scholastic Photographers' and who were at that time based in Hartlepool, County Durham.
Port Talbot Secondary School Magazine, 'The Wayfarer'
Headmaster Mr. C. Reynolds B.Sc. Retirement Issue, 1943
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Richard Burton's School Rugby Shirt And Ration Book, 1942
This unique school rugby shirt was owned by the young Richard Walter Jenkins when he was the captain of the Port Talbot Secondary School First XV in Port Talbot, Taibach, South Wales.
Both the rugby shirt and the Ration Book first came up for auction in one single lot in the early December of 1993.
The auction itself was held at the Phillips Auction House in Cardiff. The items were apparently auctioned by members of Richard Burton's family, from the information I have gathered so far it was possibly from one of his nieces.
The auction made headlines at the time, featuring in many newspapers in and around South and North Wales.
Both the rugby shirt and the Ration Book first came up for auction in one single lot in the early December of 1993.
The auction itself was held at the Phillips Auction House in Cardiff. The items were apparently auctioned by members of Richard Burton's family, from the information I have gathered so far it was possibly from one of his nieces.
The auction made headlines at the time, featuring in many newspapers in and around South and North Wales.
Richard Burton's Government Ration Book, 1942
The original Government Ration Book issued to Richard Burton, then named Richard Walter Jenkins, by the Port Talbot Food Office in July 1942.
This incredibly historic and unique item features Richard Burton's own handwriting, one of only a few surviving items known in which he has signed his given name, Richard Jenkins.
The sixteen year old Richard Jenkins was at that time living in Taibach, Port Talbot at 73, Caradoc Street, the marital home of his sister Cecilia and her husband Elfed James, and had been since the tragic death of his mother fifteen years before.
Ration books were first introduced by the British Government in January 1940 in order to ensure that every family in Britain had their fair share of food available. Every household in Britain had been issued with a registration form in 1938 to list all the family members living there at the time.
Each ration book had to be registered with a local shopkeeper, in this case the Co-Op, the largest store in Taibach, where incidentally the young Richard Jenkins had been employed for a short time in 1941 in the menswear and drapery department, at the insistence of his brother-in-law Elfed James. Coupons in the book were then cut out or signed by the manager, or shopkeeper, in exchange for the items required.
This incredibly historic and unique item features Richard Burton's own handwriting, one of only a few surviving items known in which he has signed his given name, Richard Jenkins.
The sixteen year old Richard Jenkins was at that time living in Taibach, Port Talbot at 73, Caradoc Street, the marital home of his sister Cecilia and her husband Elfed James, and had been since the tragic death of his mother fifteen years before.
Ration books were first introduced by the British Government in January 1940 in order to ensure that every family in Britain had their fair share of food available. Every household in Britain had been issued with a registration form in 1938 to list all the family members living there at the time.
Each ration book had to be registered with a local shopkeeper, in this case the Co-Op, the largest store in Taibach, where incidentally the young Richard Jenkins had been employed for a short time in 1941 in the menswear and drapery department, at the insistence of his brother-in-law Elfed James. Coupons in the book were then cut out or signed by the manager, or shopkeeper, in exchange for the items required.
Port Talbot Secondary School Magazines 'The Wayfarer'
A further four original copies of the Port Talbot Secondary School magazine, 'The Wayfarer' are held in the Richard Burton Museum collection. These issues date from between Midsummer 1942 and July 1944. Many references are made to the young Richard Jenkins in the early issues which relate to his sporting prowess as well as his outstanding performances on the amateur stage.
December, 1942 Issue...This copy of the school magazine features a full review of that years school drama production which was the Ronald Gow play, 'Gallows Glorious'. Richard Jenkins is named in the cast-list and is mentioned in the review. (Please see the 'Richard Burton In The Theatre' page for more details). He is also mentioned on the 'House' pages of the magazine. Richard Jenkins' particular School House was 'Leisan', whose Housemaster was Philip Burton. Richard Jenkins is named as the Captain of the senior Rugby team and the House article reads;
"We would like to take this opportunity of welcoming back Richard Jenkins to our ranks. For in the past he has proved a valuable member of the House, and we are sure he will be so in the future. Again this year the Rugby and Hockey are well represented by Leisanites. In the former, together with R. Jenkins are Pat Lane, Ralph Ackery and Kenneth Williams."
July, 1943 Issue...The Port Talbot Secondary School Inter-House Eisteddfod was the main feature of this issue of 'The Wayfarer' and Richard Jenkins gets several mentions. Firstly on the Leisan House page it reads;
"Graham Hughes...shared first place in the Scripture Reading competition with another Leisanite, Richard Jenkins. 'Ritchie' also gained second place in the keenly contested dramatic recitation."
He was also mentioned in the Sport pages of this edition in the Rugby section;
"For this match we welcomed to our ranks, not a new recruit, but an o0ld stalwart of our School Rugby, in the person of Richard Jenkins who had returned to School. Unfortunately he was injured after ten minutes' play, but during that short period he had scored two tries."
Michaelmas, 1943 Issue...The final magazine in which Richard Jenkins appears is this 1943 issue. He first appears in an in-depth review of the School Dramatic production, which for this year was a performance of George Bernard Shaw's, 'Pygmalion'. As well as appearing on the cast-list page, he appears in the review, which reads;
"Our School actors again deserve our congratulations on their performances. Richard Jenkins and Dilys Jones as Higgins and Eliza joyously took all the opportunities which these parts offered and played them with a confident vigour which delighted the audience. The former in his enunciation, his gestures, and his movements seemed perfectly at home of the stage and in the part".
Richard Jenkins is mentioned just once more in this edition of 'The Wayfarer'. On the Leisan House news page it reads;
"This term the House is the worse for the loss of Ritchie Jenkins who has left school. We wish him as much success and popularity in his stage career as he won in Leisan House, for we know that this will ensure his success."
December, 1942 Issue...This copy of the school magazine features a full review of that years school drama production which was the Ronald Gow play, 'Gallows Glorious'. Richard Jenkins is named in the cast-list and is mentioned in the review. (Please see the 'Richard Burton In The Theatre' page for more details). He is also mentioned on the 'House' pages of the magazine. Richard Jenkins' particular School House was 'Leisan', whose Housemaster was Philip Burton. Richard Jenkins is named as the Captain of the senior Rugby team and the House article reads;
"We would like to take this opportunity of welcoming back Richard Jenkins to our ranks. For in the past he has proved a valuable member of the House, and we are sure he will be so in the future. Again this year the Rugby and Hockey are well represented by Leisanites. In the former, together with R. Jenkins are Pat Lane, Ralph Ackery and Kenneth Williams."
July, 1943 Issue...The Port Talbot Secondary School Inter-House Eisteddfod was the main feature of this issue of 'The Wayfarer' and Richard Jenkins gets several mentions. Firstly on the Leisan House page it reads;
"Graham Hughes...shared first place in the Scripture Reading competition with another Leisanite, Richard Jenkins. 'Ritchie' also gained second place in the keenly contested dramatic recitation."
He was also mentioned in the Sport pages of this edition in the Rugby section;
"For this match we welcomed to our ranks, not a new recruit, but an o0ld stalwart of our School Rugby, in the person of Richard Jenkins who had returned to School. Unfortunately he was injured after ten minutes' play, but during that short period he had scored two tries."
Michaelmas, 1943 Issue...The final magazine in which Richard Jenkins appears is this 1943 issue. He first appears in an in-depth review of the School Dramatic production, which for this year was a performance of George Bernard Shaw's, 'Pygmalion'. As well as appearing on the cast-list page, he appears in the review, which reads;
"Our School actors again deserve our congratulations on their performances. Richard Jenkins and Dilys Jones as Higgins and Eliza joyously took all the opportunities which these parts offered and played them with a confident vigour which delighted the audience. The former in his enunciation, his gestures, and his movements seemed perfectly at home of the stage and in the part".
Richard Jenkins is mentioned just once more in this edition of 'The Wayfarer'. On the Leisan House news page it reads;
"This term the House is the worse for the loss of Ritchie Jenkins who has left school. We wish him as much success and popularity in his stage career as he won in Leisan House, for we know that this will ensure his success."
'A Phoenix Too Frequent' Richard Burton Signed Copy, 1950
An early copy of Christopher Fry's comedy play 'A Phoenix Too Frequent', which was published by Geoffrey Cuberlege, the publisher for The Oxford University Press, London.
This copy is a second impression edition of the play and was printed by Charles Batey, printers to the University in 1949.
This edition was published on green cloth boards with gilt lettering on the spine and is complete with the original dust-jacket, designed by artist Michael Gough.
For two weeks, from the 3rd of April, 1950, Richard Burton was appearing in a production of this play at the Dolphin Theatre, Brighton. Appearing alongside him in this production were Diana Graves and Jessie Evans. The play was directed by the author himself, Christopher Fry.
It was during this two-week run that this copy of Christopher Fry's text to the play was handed to Richard Burton by the previous owner at the stage-door for him to sign.
The signature which appears on the front end paper of this book is a fine example of an early Richard Burton autograph, confidently signed and clearly legible in black fountain pen.
This copy is a second impression edition of the play and was printed by Charles Batey, printers to the University in 1949.
This edition was published on green cloth boards with gilt lettering on the spine and is complete with the original dust-jacket, designed by artist Michael Gough.
For two weeks, from the 3rd of April, 1950, Richard Burton was appearing in a production of this play at the Dolphin Theatre, Brighton. Appearing alongside him in this production were Diana Graves and Jessie Evans. The play was directed by the author himself, Christopher Fry.
It was during this two-week run that this copy of Christopher Fry's text to the play was handed to Richard Burton by the previous owner at the stage-door for him to sign.
The signature which appears on the front end paper of this book is a fine example of an early Richard Burton autograph, confidently signed and clearly legible in black fountain pen.
Richard Burton's signature as it appears on the front end page of this 1949 copy of 'A Phoenix Too Frequent'.
'A Phoenix Too Frequent' Cast Signed Copy, 1949/50
A copy of a second edition of Christopher Fry's play, 'A Phoenix Too Frequent', one of two which are held in the Richard Burton Museum collection. This copy is a second impression edition dating from 1949 which was published by Geoffrey Cumberlege for the Oxford University Press, Amen House, London and printed by Charles Batey on behalf of the University.
This copy of the play has been signed by the main members of the cast of the 1949 production of 'The Lady's Not For Burning', the autographs presumably obtained from when the play was originally staged at The Globe Theatre based in Shaftesbury Avenue, London in May 1949 or perhaps earlier during one of the provincial runs of the play.
Unfortunately, Richard Burton's autograph is missing from the signatures, however this copy has been clearly and beautifully signed by the leading actors in the production, John Gielgud and Pamela Brown, and also by the author himself, Christopher Fry.
This copy of the play has been signed by the main members of the cast of the 1949 production of 'The Lady's Not For Burning', the autographs presumably obtained from when the play was originally staged at The Globe Theatre based in Shaftesbury Avenue, London in May 1949 or perhaps earlier during one of the provincial runs of the play.
Unfortunately, Richard Burton's autograph is missing from the signatures, however this copy has been clearly and beautifully signed by the leading actors in the production, John Gielgud and Pamela Brown, and also by the author himself, Christopher Fry.
The signatures of Christopher Fry, John Gielgud and Pamela Brown as they appear in this 1949 edition of 'A Phoenix Too Frequent'.
The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Programme 1951, Richard Burton & Cast Signed Edition
A copy of a wonderfully presented and produced, embossed, Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Programme for the 1951 Season of Shakespeare's play's held at Stratford-Upon-Avon, a further copy of which also appears on the 'Richard Burton In The Theatre' page of this website. This copy was published for the Memorial Theatre by the Journal Press based in Evesham, Worcestershire.
This copy has the delightful addition of having been signed by some of the major players of that year, including Richard Burton.
Richard Burton, performing in the roles of Prince Hal in Henry IV and as the King in Henry V, as well as Ferdinand in The Tempest, in his first ever season at the Memorial Theatre, fresh from his performance in Christopher Fry's 'The Lady's Not For Burning' has provided a clear and confident autograph alongside the signatures of eminent Shakespearean actors such as his fellow Welsh actor and friend, Hugh Griffith, as well as Barbara Jefford, Hazel Penwarden and Alexander Gauge.
This copy has the delightful addition of having been signed by some of the major players of that year, including Richard Burton.
Richard Burton, performing in the roles of Prince Hal in Henry IV and as the King in Henry V, as well as Ferdinand in The Tempest, in his first ever season at the Memorial Theatre, fresh from his performance in Christopher Fry's 'The Lady's Not For Burning' has provided a clear and confident autograph alongside the signatures of eminent Shakespearean actors such as his fellow Welsh actor and friend, Hugh Griffith, as well as Barbara Jefford, Hazel Penwarden and Alexander Gauge.
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The cast signed front page of the 1951 Memorial Theatre programme, including a close image of the early Richard Burton signature.
William Shakespeare's 'Henry V' Richard Burton & Cast Signed Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Programme, 1951
Twentieth Century Fox 'My Cousin Rachel' 1952
Film Costume Regency Waistcoat Worn By Richard Burton
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An original piece of costume used in the production of the 1952 Twentieth Century Fox melodrama, 'My Cousin Rachel', which starred Richard Burton, Olivia de Havilland and Audrey Dalton.
This stunning Regency-style waistcoat was worn on-screen by Richard Burton, in the role of Philip Ashley, in various early scenes of the film. Made especially for Richard Burton by famed film industry tailors, the Western Costume Company of Hollywood, this bespoke waistcoat is constructed of light beige cloth and silk. In the interior is the Western Costume Company stamp and original label which is type-written with the serial number 86-2710-2 and the name Richard Burton and size information, in this case his chest size of forty inches. A further code label reads Western Costume 1015944, this may be from a later production the waistcoat was possibly used in.
As well as an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Richard Burton, 'My Cousin Rachel' did win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, of which this unique and historical piece of Hollywood memorabilia is a perfect example.
This stunning Regency-style waistcoat was worn on-screen by Richard Burton, in the role of Philip Ashley, in various early scenes of the film. Made especially for Richard Burton by famed film industry tailors, the Western Costume Company of Hollywood, this bespoke waistcoat is constructed of light beige cloth and silk. In the interior is the Western Costume Company stamp and original label which is type-written with the serial number 86-2710-2 and the name Richard Burton and size information, in this case his chest size of forty inches. A further code label reads Western Costume 1015944, this may be from a later production the waistcoat was possibly used in.
As well as an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Richard Burton, 'My Cousin Rachel' did win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, of which this unique and historical piece of Hollywood memorabilia is a perfect example.
The interior of the 'My Cousin Rachel' waistcoat showing the original Western Costume Company label with serial number and actor name and printed company stamp.
Richard Burton - Old Vic Theatre Studio Portrait, Circa 1956
Richard Burton Autograph, The Old Vic Theatre, Circa 1956
A lovely example of an early, neat and clear Richard Burton autograph.
Signed across his own image, a studio portrait captured by theatrical photographer Angus McBean, and cropped from an Old Vic theatre programme for William Shakespeare's 'Henry V', the run of which commenced on the 23rd of January,1956.
This early autograph, signed in pencil, clearly shows how confident Richard Burton was at this stage of his life. The autograph was obtained during his triumphant run of Shakespeare's plays at the Old Vic Theatre, London, a time when his powerful and magnificent performances on the theatrical stage were making headline news.
Already he had shown his command of the stage in such powerful and demanding roles as Coriolanus, Hamlet, dual roles as Othello and Iago and as a magnificent Henry V.
Signed across his own image, a studio portrait captured by theatrical photographer Angus McBean, and cropped from an Old Vic theatre programme for William Shakespeare's 'Henry V', the run of which commenced on the 23rd of January,1956.
This early autograph, signed in pencil, clearly shows how confident Richard Burton was at this stage of his life. The autograph was obtained during his triumphant run of Shakespeare's plays at the Old Vic Theatre, London, a time when his powerful and magnificent performances on the theatrical stage were making headline news.
Already he had shown his command of the stage in such powerful and demanding roles as Coriolanus, Hamlet, dual roles as Othello and Iago and as a magnificent Henry V.
Richard Burton Autograph, The Old Vic Theatre, Circa 1956
A stunning studio photograph of a young Richard Burton, attributed to theatrical photographer Angus McBean, issued by the Old Vic theatre as an autograph card, hence the large white space under the image.
This particular card has been personally signed by Richard Burton, although sadly the autograph has become very faded over the years, although still legible when viewed up-close.
Before becoming the property of the Richard Burton Museum the card was owned by a lady in Swansea whose parents, in the 1950's, were living in the Sandfields district of Port Talbot.
Her parents were members of the 'Parti Pontrhydfen' choir, as was Richard Burton's sister Hilda, and the signed card was given to the couple, by Hilda, in the late 1950's.
Interestingly, it was noted by the couple that Hilda never called her brother by his given name Richard, or even Richard Burton, she always referred to him as 'Richie Ni', 'Our Richie'.
The signed card has been mounted and displayed alongside an Old Vic Theatre programme for the 1956 production of 'Othello', the play in which he was appearing at the time.
This particular card has been personally signed by Richard Burton, although sadly the autograph has become very faded over the years, although still legible when viewed up-close.
Before becoming the property of the Richard Burton Museum the card was owned by a lady in Swansea whose parents, in the 1950's, were living in the Sandfields district of Port Talbot.
Her parents were members of the 'Parti Pontrhydfen' choir, as was Richard Burton's sister Hilda, and the signed card was given to the couple, by Hilda, in the late 1950's.
Interestingly, it was noted by the couple that Hilda never called her brother by his given name Richard, or even Richard Burton, she always referred to him as 'Richie Ni', 'Our Richie'.
The signed card has been mounted and displayed alongside an Old Vic Theatre programme for the 1956 production of 'Othello', the play in which he was appearing at the time.
Richard Burton Autograph, The Old Vic Theatre, March 1956
A further example of a clear and confident early Richard Burton autograph.
This copy of an Old Vic Company programme for the production of William Shakespeare's 'Henry V' has been clearly signed in blue ink, (albeit upside down) on the front cover.
The autograph was obtained, according to the theatregoer's notes in the interior of the programme, on the first night performance of 'Henry V' which took place on Monday the 26th of March, 1956.
The programme contains a full cast and crew list as well as eight photographs of the main performers, namely, Richard Burton, John Neville, Paul Rogers, Wendy Hiller, Richard Wordsworth, Jack Gwillam, Rosemary Harris and Gerald Cross.
The programme was printed by John Waddington Limited based in Stoke Newington, London.
One interesting point about this programme is that, in error, it advertises the Old Vic's next production as 'Troilus and Cressida' with Richard Burton in the role of Thersites, a role Burton was never to play, even though programmes were printed with his photograph within its pages. The role was in fact taken by the actor, Clifford Williams.
This copy of an Old Vic Company programme for the production of William Shakespeare's 'Henry V' has been clearly signed in blue ink, (albeit upside down) on the front cover.
The autograph was obtained, according to the theatregoer's notes in the interior of the programme, on the first night performance of 'Henry V' which took place on Monday the 26th of March, 1956.
The programme contains a full cast and crew list as well as eight photographs of the main performers, namely, Richard Burton, John Neville, Paul Rogers, Wendy Hiller, Richard Wordsworth, Jack Gwillam, Rosemary Harris and Gerald Cross.
The programme was printed by John Waddington Limited based in Stoke Newington, London.
One interesting point about this programme is that, in error, it advertises the Old Vic's next production as 'Troilus and Cressida' with Richard Burton in the role of Thersites, a role Burton was never to play, even though programmes were printed with his photograph within its pages. The role was in fact taken by the actor, Clifford Williams.
Richard Burton Vintage Cigarette Card, Circa 1957
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Sybil Burton Signed American Cheque, November 1960
An original bank cheque from the Trade Bank and Trust Company, New York account of Richard and Sybil Burton.
Written on the 26th of November, 1960 and made out to 'Firestone and Parson' for the sum of forty-four dollars, the cheque has been neatly signed in blue ink by Sybil Burton herself. The cheque was subsequently cashed on the 2nd of December 1960 by the First National Bank of Boston.
The firm 'Firestone and Parson', founded in Boston in 1946, remains to this day a world renowned jewellery store. After leasing premises at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Arlington Street, Boston, their reputation flourished and they became well-known purveyors of fine silver, precious stones and diamonds.
Sybil Burton, nee Williams, was born in South Wales on the 27th of March, 1929, and was a very talented actress in her own right, having studied at the London Academy of Dramatic Art before being introduced to Richard Burton on the set of 'The Last Days Of Dolwyn' by Emlyn Williams in 1949.
After the Burton's married, Sybil retired from acting completely to concentrate on her husband's flourishing career and to raise their two children, Kate and Jessica. Following the scandal and affair with Elizabeth Taylor, Sybil moved to New York where she became a successful theatre director and nightclub owner, most notably opening the highly successful celebrity nightclub 'Arthurs' on 154 East 54th Street in Manhattan, the precursor to 'Studio 54'. A more detailed biography of Sybil Burton can be found on the 'Burton People' page of this website.
Written on the 26th of November, 1960 and made out to 'Firestone and Parson' for the sum of forty-four dollars, the cheque has been neatly signed in blue ink by Sybil Burton herself. The cheque was subsequently cashed on the 2nd of December 1960 by the First National Bank of Boston.
The firm 'Firestone and Parson', founded in Boston in 1946, remains to this day a world renowned jewellery store. After leasing premises at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Arlington Street, Boston, their reputation flourished and they became well-known purveyors of fine silver, precious stones and diamonds.
Sybil Burton, nee Williams, was born in South Wales on the 27th of March, 1929, and was a very talented actress in her own right, having studied at the London Academy of Dramatic Art before being introduced to Richard Burton on the set of 'The Last Days Of Dolwyn' by Emlyn Williams in 1949.
After the Burton's married, Sybil retired from acting completely to concentrate on her husband's flourishing career and to raise their two children, Kate and Jessica. Following the scandal and affair with Elizabeth Taylor, Sybil moved to New York where she became a successful theatre director and nightclub owner, most notably opening the highly successful celebrity nightclub 'Arthurs' on 154 East 54th Street in Manhattan, the precursor to 'Studio 54'. A more detailed biography of Sybil Burton can be found on the 'Burton People' page of this website.
Daphne Rye Personally Signed Christmas Card, Circa 1963
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An exquisite example of a personalised company Christmas card sent from 'Daphne's Restaurant' circa 1963 which has been personally signed by the owner and founder Daphne Rye and her then husband, Sam Ainley.
'Daphne's' was first established in 1963 and was located, as it still remains to this day in the form of an Italian restaurant, at 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3.
Daphne Rye, an important, influential and dominating figure in the theatrical world, was born in 1916. She began her theatrical career in the early 1930's as an assistant stage manager at the Theatre Royal, Margate. Following her marriage to the distinguished British actor Roland Culver in 1938 she joined the H. M. Tennent organization, at that time based in Shaftesbury Avenue, quickly rising to becoming London's most formidable, powerful and influential casting director.
A close confidante of her boss, the famed Hugh 'Binkie' Beaumont, she also developed close friendships with many other people of great influence in the theatrical world, including Emlyn Williams. It was due to her position and her friendship with Emlyn Williams that first brought her into contact with a young Richard Burton during the audition in Cardiff at The Sandringham Hotel for the play 'The Druid's Rest'. Richard Burton, and later his first wife Sybil were to become great friends with Daphne Rye, and as a wedding gift to the young Burton's she let them live in her flat based in Pelham Crescent, the notorious location of many glamourous and famous theatrical parties.
'Daphne's' was first established in 1963 and was located, as it still remains to this day in the form of an Italian restaurant, at 112 Draycott Avenue, London SW3.
Daphne Rye, an important, influential and dominating figure in the theatrical world, was born in 1916. She began her theatrical career in the early 1930's as an assistant stage manager at the Theatre Royal, Margate. Following her marriage to the distinguished British actor Roland Culver in 1938 she joined the H. M. Tennent organization, at that time based in Shaftesbury Avenue, quickly rising to becoming London's most formidable, powerful and influential casting director.
A close confidante of her boss, the famed Hugh 'Binkie' Beaumont, she also developed close friendships with many other people of great influence in the theatrical world, including Emlyn Williams. It was due to her position and her friendship with Emlyn Williams that first brought her into contact with a young Richard Burton during the audition in Cardiff at The Sandringham Hotel for the play 'The Druid's Rest'. Richard Burton, and later his first wife Sybil were to become great friends with Daphne Rye, and as a wedding gift to the young Burton's she let them live in her flat based in Pelham Crescent, the notorious location of many glamourous and famous theatrical parties.
Richard Burton Signed Matchbook, Circa 1964/5
A lovely clear 1960's Richard Burton autograph, signed in black ink on a vintage American Hotel matchbook.
The matchbook comes from the 'Del Webb International Mountain Shadows Hotel' based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and after detailed and assisted research on the designs of Del Webb Hotel matchbooks from that era, I have estimated that the matchbook must have been signed circa 1964 / 5, possibly sometime during, or just after the filming of 'The Sandpiper' was taking place.
Sadly, no further provenance is known for this item. If anyone has any more information about this, or any other item in the Richard Burton Museum collection, I would be indebted to hear from them.
The matchbook comes from the 'Del Webb International Mountain Shadows Hotel' based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and after detailed and assisted research on the designs of Del Webb Hotel matchbooks from that era, I have estimated that the matchbook must have been signed circa 1964 / 5, possibly sometime during, or just after the filming of 'The Sandpiper' was taking place.
Sadly, no further provenance is known for this item. If anyone has any more information about this, or any other item in the Richard Burton Museum collection, I would be indebted to hear from them.
'Hamlet' Candid Family Photograph, June 1964
A wonderfully candid family portrait consisting of Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton's beloved elder brother Ifor Jenkins and a six year old Kate Burton.
The photograph was taken in June, 1964 outside the Regency Hotel in New York during the Broadway run of John Gielgud's 'Hamlet' which was being performed at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
This original photograph has never been published before and is being shown here on the Richard Burton Online Museum for the first time.
The photograph was taken in June, 1964 outside the Regency Hotel in New York during the Broadway run of John Gielgud's 'Hamlet' which was being performed at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
This original photograph has never been published before and is being shown here on the Richard Burton Online Museum for the first time.
Claire Bloom Signed Studio Portrait, Circa 1965
An incredibly beautiful and stylish Paramount Pictures studio portrait of actress Claire Bloom, captured around 1965 during the time of filming for 'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold'.
This lovely portrait has the wonderful addition of having been signed personally in blue ink by Claire Bloom herself.
The theatre and screen actress Claire Bloom first met, and worked with, Richard Burton during the run of the Christopher Fry play, 'The Lady's Not For Burning'. A love affair soon followed, which was to last for many years, during which time they would appear together many times on stage and on film.
They performed together throughout 1949 and 1950 in 'The Lady's Not For Burning', both in England and America, which was followed by Shakespearean seasons together at Stratford-Upon-Avon and at The Old Vic, London.
The films in which they appeared together include; 'Alexander the Great', 'Look Back In Anger', 'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' and finally in 1984, 'Ellis Island' the television mini-series which would turn out to be Richard Burton's final television performance. The love affair between Claire Bloom and Richard Burton continued throughout Richard Burton's first marriage to Sybil and would only end with the marriage of Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor.
This lovely portrait has the wonderful addition of having been signed personally in blue ink by Claire Bloom herself.
The theatre and screen actress Claire Bloom first met, and worked with, Richard Burton during the run of the Christopher Fry play, 'The Lady's Not For Burning'. A love affair soon followed, which was to last for many years, during which time they would appear together many times on stage and on film.
They performed together throughout 1949 and 1950 in 'The Lady's Not For Burning', both in England and America, which was followed by Shakespearean seasons together at Stratford-Upon-Avon and at The Old Vic, London.
The films in which they appeared together include; 'Alexander the Great', 'Look Back In Anger', 'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' and finally in 1984, 'Ellis Island' the television mini-series which would turn out to be Richard Burton's final television performance. The love affair between Claire Bloom and Richard Burton continued throughout Richard Burton's first marriage to Sybil and would only end with the marriage of Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor.
Richard Burton's Silver and Gold Cuff-Links, Circa 1966
A pair of Richard Burton's cuff-links from the personal collection of world renowned Hollywood make-up artist Gordon Bau.
These cuff-links are solid silver with mother of pearl inlays incorporating a raised gold letter 'R'.
The cuff-links were presented to Gordon Bau by Richard Burton himself during the filming of 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?' when Bau was the senior make-up artist to Elizabeth Taylor.
The cuff-links themselves were designed and created by the famous American jewellery company 'Swank'.The cuff-links were obtained at auction from a jewellers in the Kew Garden district of New York in the November of 2012.
Gordon Bau, born in Minnesota in 1907, was the make-up supervisor for Warner Brothers studios, based in Los Angeles, California.Together with his brother George they developed their make-up skills during their joint employment at a rubber factory which specialised in rubber parts for industry. The brothers began experimenting with the rubber with the idea of manufacturing face prosthetics which could be used in television and film-making. Their experimentation proved successful and they both began work for Warner Brothers studios. George continued working on the prosthetics side of special effects, whilst Gordon moved on to a career in the make-up department.
Gordon Bau's make-up work was in great demand, proven by his voluminous output of work in television and film work for the studio. His television work included series such as 'Maverick', '77 Sunset Strip', 'Bronco', and 'F Troop'. His film work included such classic films as 'Rio Bravo', 'Days of Wine and Roses', 'Dirty Harry' and of course 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'.
Gordon Bau died in Los Angeles on July the 21st 1975 at the age of sixty-eight and was laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
These cuff-links are solid silver with mother of pearl inlays incorporating a raised gold letter 'R'.
The cuff-links were presented to Gordon Bau by Richard Burton himself during the filming of 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?' when Bau was the senior make-up artist to Elizabeth Taylor.
The cuff-links themselves were designed and created by the famous American jewellery company 'Swank'.The cuff-links were obtained at auction from a jewellers in the Kew Garden district of New York in the November of 2012.
Gordon Bau, born in Minnesota in 1907, was the make-up supervisor for Warner Brothers studios, based in Los Angeles, California.Together with his brother George they developed their make-up skills during their joint employment at a rubber factory which specialised in rubber parts for industry. The brothers began experimenting with the rubber with the idea of manufacturing face prosthetics which could be used in television and film-making. Their experimentation proved successful and they both began work for Warner Brothers studios. George continued working on the prosthetics side of special effects, whilst Gordon moved on to a career in the make-up department.
Gordon Bau's make-up work was in great demand, proven by his voluminous output of work in television and film work for the studio. His television work included series such as 'Maverick', '77 Sunset Strip', 'Bronco', and 'F Troop'. His film work included such classic films as 'Rio Bravo', 'Days of Wine and Roses', 'Dirty Harry' and of course 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'.
Gordon Bau died in Los Angeles on July the 21st 1975 at the age of sixty-eight and was laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
'Royal Air Force Jubilee Programme' Signed Copy, 1968
An extremely rare souvenir programme in itself for the Royal Air Force Golden Jubilee Festival Concert, which was held at the Victoria Palace, London on Sunday the 31st of March 1968.
The event, which was hosted by Richard Burton, was attended by H.R.H. Prince Phillip and H.R.H. The Duchess Of Gloucester.
The concert, which was televised by the B.B.C. also featured Richard Todd, star of the classic 1955 film, 'The Dambusters', Dame Vera Lynn, Kenneth More, Phyllis Calvert, Roy Hudd and Kenneth Horne.
This programme features a lovely clear autograph by Richard Burton as well as a dedication by actor Kenneth More.
The programme was especially produced and printed for the occasion by The Hambleden Press, based in Huntingdon.
Richard Burton himself served with the Royal Air Force during his National Service and also portrayed an airman in three of his films, 'The Woman With No Name', 'Sea Wife' and 'The Longest Day'.
Also included with the programme is an original complimentary ticket for the event.
The event, which was hosted by Richard Burton, was attended by H.R.H. Prince Phillip and H.R.H. The Duchess Of Gloucester.
The concert, which was televised by the B.B.C. also featured Richard Todd, star of the classic 1955 film, 'The Dambusters', Dame Vera Lynn, Kenneth More, Phyllis Calvert, Roy Hudd and Kenneth Horne.
This programme features a lovely clear autograph by Richard Burton as well as a dedication by actor Kenneth More.
The programme was especially produced and printed for the occasion by The Hambleden Press, based in Huntingdon.
Richard Burton himself served with the Royal Air Force during his National Service and also portrayed an airman in three of his films, 'The Woman With No Name', 'Sea Wife' and 'The Longest Day'.
Also included with the programme is an original complimentary ticket for the event.
The complimentary ticket for the Jubilee Festival, held at the Victoria Palace, London on Sunday the 31st of March, 1968.
'Under Milk Wood' Richard Burton Signed Copy, 1971
A 'much-loved, 'well-read' and now 'very-treasured' copy of the Dylan Thomas play 'Under Milk Wood'.
This copy is an eighth impression edition, published by J.M. Dent and Sons, London in 1956, which has the wonderful addition of containing a lovely clear autograph by Richard Burton on the 'First Broadcast' cast page, next to his own name.
Before coming into my possession this book was owned by the Welsh author, broadcaster and journalist, Lyn Ebenezer who was the person responsible for obtaining this incredible piece.
In 1971 Mr. Ebenezer travelled to Fishguard, west Wales, with his friend and freelance photographer Raymond Daniel specifically to meet Richard Burton, who was filming 'Under Milk Wood' at that time. Mr. Ebenezer, who had himself been in the first Welsh language production of 'Under Milk Wood', in the role of Mr. Pugh, encountered Richard Burton, and other cast members and crew, in the Dinas Arms Public House and spent an entertaining afternoon with him and the other members before finally asking Richard Burton to sign this copy, his own personal edition of Dylan Thomas's most famous work.
This is that very copy, now very proudly held in the Richard Burton Museum collection, thanks to the kind assistance of Jeff Towns.
This copy is an eighth impression edition, published by J.M. Dent and Sons, London in 1956, which has the wonderful addition of containing a lovely clear autograph by Richard Burton on the 'First Broadcast' cast page, next to his own name.
Before coming into my possession this book was owned by the Welsh author, broadcaster and journalist, Lyn Ebenezer who was the person responsible for obtaining this incredible piece.
In 1971 Mr. Ebenezer travelled to Fishguard, west Wales, with his friend and freelance photographer Raymond Daniel specifically to meet Richard Burton, who was filming 'Under Milk Wood' at that time. Mr. Ebenezer, who had himself been in the first Welsh language production of 'Under Milk Wood', in the role of Mr. Pugh, encountered Richard Burton, and other cast members and crew, in the Dinas Arms Public House and spent an entertaining afternoon with him and the other members before finally asking Richard Burton to sign this copy, his own personal edition of Dylan Thomas's most famous work.
This is that very copy, now very proudly held in the Richard Burton Museum collection, thanks to the kind assistance of Jeff Towns.
This is the wonderful moment, perfectly captured by photographer Raymond Daniel, in which Lyn Ebenezer had the above copy of 'Under Milk Wood' signed by Richard Burton in the Dinas Arms, Fishguard in 1971. The image is taken from my personal copy of Lyn Ebenezer's biography, 'Gair, Sain A Llun', a copy of which is now held in the Richard Burton Museum collection, again with the much appreciated help of Jeff Towns.
'Equus' Richard Burton Signed Soundtrack Album, 1977
An original American first pressing of the soundtrack album to the United Artists motion picture, 'Equus'.
This original first-pressing was released in 1977 on the United Artists record label and issued with the catalogue number UA-LA839-H.
This soundtrack album features music composed by Richard Rodney Bennett and dialogue highlights featuring all the main monologues spoken by Richard Burton during this powerful film in his role of Dr. Martin Dysart.
This edition has been clearly signed by Richard Burton in black pen on the front cover.
This item was obtained from the family of character actor, Joseph V. Perry, who received the album as a gift from Richard Burton himself after sharing a night out in Las Vegas drinking with him sometime in the late 1970's.
Joseph V. Perry was an American character actor whose career spanned nearly five decades. After receiving the UCLA 'Best Actor' Award from Marlon Brando in 1952, Perry went on to star in many long-running American shows including 'The Twilight Zone', 'Rawhide' and 'The Streets of San Francisco'.
Joseph V. Perry died in February 2000.
This original first-pressing was released in 1977 on the United Artists record label and issued with the catalogue number UA-LA839-H.
This soundtrack album features music composed by Richard Rodney Bennett and dialogue highlights featuring all the main monologues spoken by Richard Burton during this powerful film in his role of Dr. Martin Dysart.
This edition has been clearly signed by Richard Burton in black pen on the front cover.
This item was obtained from the family of character actor, Joseph V. Perry, who received the album as a gift from Richard Burton himself after sharing a night out in Las Vegas drinking with him sometime in the late 1970's.
Joseph V. Perry was an American character actor whose career spanned nearly five decades. After receiving the UCLA 'Best Actor' Award from Marlon Brando in 1952, Perry went on to star in many long-running American shows including 'The Twilight Zone', 'Rawhide' and 'The Streets of San Francisco'.
Joseph V. Perry died in February 2000.
Richard Burton Signed Autograph Album Page, Circa 1980
A lovely clear signature by Richard Burton, possibly from the early 1980's, in fountain pen on an single autograph album page.
This autograph, and other Richard Burton material was obtained in the late 1990's by myself from a private collection of autographs, programmes, flyers and other theatre memorabilia which had been put up for auction in Cambrideshire by the widow of a previous manager of a theatre in Peterborough, who was himself an avid collector of autographs and historical theatre ephemera.
This autograph, and other Richard Burton material was obtained in the late 1990's by myself from a private collection of autographs, programmes, flyers and other theatre memorabilia which had been put up for auction in Cambrideshire by the widow of a previous manager of a theatre in Peterborough, who was himself an avid collector of autographs and historical theatre ephemera.
'Private Lives' Candid Photographs, June 1983
A lovely set of six candid Kodak photographs of a smiling and relaxed Richard Burton, leaving and arriving at the stage-door of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York during the difficult and turbulent run of the Noel Coward play, 'Private Lives' in which he was appearing at the time with his ex-wife, Elizabeth Taylor.
These wonderful images were captured between June the 4th and June the 19th of 1983.
These photographs have never been published before and are being shown here on the Richard Burton Museum for the very first time.
These wonderful images were captured between June the 4th and June the 19th of 1983.
These photographs have never been published before and are being shown here on the Richard Burton Museum for the very first time.
'Hamlet' Porcelain Figurine, Owned by the Jenkins Family
A beautiful, fine bone china porcelain figurine of William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'.
This lovely figurine was issued as part of 'The Classic Collection' set of Shakespearean characters which were crafted by The Norcroft Pottery, based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
This particular Hamlet figure was modelled on Richard Burton during his run of 'Hamlet' at the Old Vic Theatre, which commenced on the 14th of September 1953.
Norcroft Pottery, based in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, is a small, independent pot bank specialising in small unique ware, that was established in 1981 by former Doulton figure painter, Geoff Ravenscroft.
Six figures from Shakespeare were moulded as part of the series, the moulds originally being intended for Wood and Sons Pottery, Staffordshire.
This particular figurine was one of only two with dark hair meant to represent Richard Burton, (all the other pieces were painted with blond hair) and was painted by Geoff Ravenscroft himself. This piece was originally intended to be presented to Richard Burton's brother, David Jenkins, but sadly he passed away the morning of the intended presentation. The figure was therefore given to Richard Burton's sister Hilda, where it remained in her care for many years before coming into my possession.
My gratitude goes to Paula Critchley, niece of Geoff Ravenscroft, for the information regarding Norcroft Pottery and for the information regarding the Jenkins family connection to this special piece.
This lovely figurine was issued as part of 'The Classic Collection' set of Shakespearean characters which were crafted by The Norcroft Pottery, based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
This particular Hamlet figure was modelled on Richard Burton during his run of 'Hamlet' at the Old Vic Theatre, which commenced on the 14th of September 1953.
Norcroft Pottery, based in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, is a small, independent pot bank specialising in small unique ware, that was established in 1981 by former Doulton figure painter, Geoff Ravenscroft.
Six figures from Shakespeare were moulded as part of the series, the moulds originally being intended for Wood and Sons Pottery, Staffordshire.
This particular figurine was one of only two with dark hair meant to represent Richard Burton, (all the other pieces were painted with blond hair) and was painted by Geoff Ravenscroft himself. This piece was originally intended to be presented to Richard Burton's brother, David Jenkins, but sadly he passed away the morning of the intended presentation. The figure was therefore given to Richard Burton's sister Hilda, where it remained in her care for many years before coming into my possession.
My gratitude goes to Paula Critchley, niece of Geoff Ravenscroft, for the information regarding Norcroft Pottery and for the information regarding the Jenkins family connection to this special piece.
The back-stamp of the Norcroft Pottery mark from the 'Hamlet' figurine, clearly showing the initials of artist Geoff Ravenscroft.
Sally Burton Signed Studio Portrait Photograph, Circa 1989
A wonderful hand-signed, black and white photographic portrait of Richard Burton's fourth, and last wife, Sally Burton.
The photograph, captured circa 1989, has been hand signed by Sally Burton in black ink.
Sally Burton ( nee Hay ) was born in Braintree, Essex on the 21st of January 1948. She first met Richard Burton on the set of the epic television mini-series, 'Wagner', on which was working as a freelance production assistant. It was during the 1983 American tour of Noel Coward's play, 'Private Lives', (in which Richard Burton's co-star was Elizabeth Taylor), that Burton and Sally got married in Las Vegas on the 3rd of July, 1983. It was Richard Burton's fifth marriage, Sally's first. Sadly, the marriage was not to last long, after a honeymoon in Hawaii they settled in Celigny, Switzerland where Richard Burton died on the 5th of August of the following year.
The photograph, captured circa 1989, has been hand signed by Sally Burton in black ink.
Sally Burton ( nee Hay ) was born in Braintree, Essex on the 21st of January 1948. She first met Richard Burton on the set of the epic television mini-series, 'Wagner', on which was working as a freelance production assistant. It was during the 1983 American tour of Noel Coward's play, 'Private Lives', (in which Richard Burton's co-star was Elizabeth Taylor), that Burton and Sally got married in Las Vegas on the 3rd of July, 1983. It was Richard Burton's fifth marriage, Sally's first. Sadly, the marriage was not to last long, after a honeymoon in Hawaii they settled in Celigny, Switzerland where Richard Burton died on the 5th of August of the following year.
The Reporting of Richard Burton's Death and Funeral, 1984
'The Times Newspaper' Dated 6th of August 1984
An original copy of 'The Times' newspaper, dating from Monday the 6th of August 1984, which reported the sad news of the death of Richard Burton.
In a rather trite and offensive article, which began with the headline, 'Richard Burton Dies At 58 - 'Career Thrown Madly Away', the front page article, written by Rupert Morris reads...
'Richard Burton, the actor, died yesterday in Geneva from a celebral haemorrhage. He was 58.
He had been taken to the hospital in the morning from his villa in Geneva, after complaining of a headache. He died at 3pm.
At his bedside was his wife, whom he married just over a year ago. It was his fifth marriage in a career which veered crazily between great peaks - in the early 1950's he was regarded by many as the finest Shakespearean actor of his generation - and troughs. His various marital breakdowns coincided with several lapses into alcoholism.
Two months ago, having foresworn alcohol for some time, he said in an interview; "This marriage is the last. The next one will be to the grave."
Sir John Gielgud, who worked with Burton recently on the film Wagner, said last night; "He was serious, charming, with tremendous skill. I feel nothing but sadness. He was a born actor but he was a bit wild and chose a rather mad way of throwing away his theatre career. He was awfully good to people and generous."
Lord Olivier said last night; "He was a very fine actor and his early death is a great tragedy to the theatre world and the public. I was so looking forward to working with him again on his next film."
That next film was to be the sequel, 'Wild Geese II' in which he was to reprise his role as Colonel Faulkner, a role he was greatly looking forward to playing. Sadly it was not to be...
This copy of 'The Times' was issue number 61,902 and at the time of publication in 1984 was priced at twenty pence.
In a rather trite and offensive article, which began with the headline, 'Richard Burton Dies At 58 - 'Career Thrown Madly Away', the front page article, written by Rupert Morris reads...
'Richard Burton, the actor, died yesterday in Geneva from a celebral haemorrhage. He was 58.
He had been taken to the hospital in the morning from his villa in Geneva, after complaining of a headache. He died at 3pm.
At his bedside was his wife, whom he married just over a year ago. It was his fifth marriage in a career which veered crazily between great peaks - in the early 1950's he was regarded by many as the finest Shakespearean actor of his generation - and troughs. His various marital breakdowns coincided with several lapses into alcoholism.
Two months ago, having foresworn alcohol for some time, he said in an interview; "This marriage is the last. The next one will be to the grave."
Sir John Gielgud, who worked with Burton recently on the film Wagner, said last night; "He was serious, charming, with tremendous skill. I feel nothing but sadness. He was a born actor but he was a bit wild and chose a rather mad way of throwing away his theatre career. He was awfully good to people and generous."
Lord Olivier said last night; "He was a very fine actor and his early death is a great tragedy to the theatre world and the public. I was so looking forward to working with him again on his next film."
That next film was to be the sequel, 'Wild Geese II' in which he was to reprise his role as Colonel Faulkner, a role he was greatly looking forward to playing. Sadly it was not to be...
This copy of 'The Times' was issue number 61,902 and at the time of publication in 1984 was priced at twenty pence.
'Order of Service' Bethel Chapel Pontrhydyfen, August 1984
An original copy of the Order of Service for Richard Burton's Memorial Service, which was held at the Bethel Chapel, Pontrhydyfen on Saturday the 11th of August, 1984.
The service was presided over by the Reverend Eric Williams and readings were given by Kate Burton, Welsh poet Rhydwen Williams and Brook Williams.
The eminent British journalist Alan Road was in Pontrhydyfen that day for the memorial service on behalf of The Observer. His beautifully written piece, which was to appear in the paper the next day, reads;
"Two days after the burial of Richard Burton, superstar, in the Swiss tax haven he had made his home for more than twenty years, the villagers of Pontrhydyfen yesterday remembered Richard Jenkins, miner's son, who was born there fifty-eight years ago and went to work at the Co-op as a draper's assistant.
In death, as in life, this tiny village in the Afan valley had to share its most famous son with the world's media. But the service in Bethel Baptist Chapel was a fittingly Welsh event.
It was the first of a series of memorials for the actor on both sides of the Atlantic and his brother David, 70, likened it afterwards to a Welsh singing festival.
The red dragon flag of the Principality was draped beneath the pulpit, the hymns were sung in a melancholy minor key and the family and close friends entered the chapel to the muted strains of 'Sospan Fach', the rugby song, played on the organ.
Among the congregation were opera star Sir Geraint Evans, actor Clifford Evans and John Morgan, the broadcaster and writer.
Members of the immediate family, who accompanied Burton's widow, the former BBC production assistant Sally Hay, into the front pew of the tiny chapel were brothers Wil, David, Verdun and Graham, and sisters, Hilda Cecilia and Catherine.
Parts of the service were conducted in Welsh, the language of the actor's early years in the village. It was while attending evening service in Bethel last Sunday that Mrs Hilda Owen was told of the death of her brother from a cerebral haemorrhage.
loudspeakers relayed yesterday's events in the chapel to a crowd who sat in short sleeves or summer dresses on the sunny bank outside. They heard the minister, the Rev Eric Williams, describe Richard Burton as, 'a man who was one of us.'
A friend of the Jenkins family for seventeen years, Mr Williams said that Burton belonged to them, but he belonged also to the whole world. The village had lost a good son, 'He never forgot his roots and the rock he was hewn from.'
Brook Williams, a son of the actor Emlyn Williams and a close friend of Burton, read Dylan Thomas's 'And Death Shall Have No Dominion' and the actor's daughter, Kate read the poem 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night' with a soft American accent.
There were tears in the chapel when the young actress read the lines urging the poet's father to rage against the dying of the light.
The family had asked in vain that no cameras should be allowed inside the eighty year-old chapel. 'We're trying to keep it as tidy as possible,' said Mr Tom Owen, one of the organisers of the service. The family foiled waiting photographers by entering and leaving through the vestry.
It was, according to Philip Burton, the man who gave the Pontrhydyfen schoolboy his surname and his first lessons in acting, the cameras that had seduced Burton from his true destiny as a classical stage actor of great stature.
From the stone-built Non-conformist chapel it is possible to see the house where Richard Walter Jenkins was born on 10 November 1925, and the hillside churchyard where his parents are buried and where until last week, it was widely supposed that his body would lie.
'He had a plot over in Jerusalem', said Mr Owen, whose brother is married to Burton's sister Hilda.
It was to Pontrhydyfen and Hilda's terrace house behind the chapel that Burton had over the years brought a succession of beautiful women, like trophies, to be admired by the locals.
Former wife of two marriages, Elizabeth Taylor, who was a frequent guest in Penhydd Street, is expected to visit the village nest week.
According to school teacher Terry Rees, Burton would always arrive in the village unannounced. 'There ewould be a Rolls- Royce outside Hilda's place,' he said. 'Not many people in Pontrhydyfen run to a Rolls, and so we would know Richard was home.'
In more prosperous times Pontrhydyfen boasted a steelworks, a colliery and a copper works. Now the valley is green again and the purple heather is colonising the slag heaps.
After the ceremony Mr Graham Jenkins, who bears a considerable resemblance to his more famous brother, admitted that he could not disguise the family's disappointment that Burton was buried in Switzerland and not in Wales. 'But, if that's where he wanted to be buried, baby, that's where it will be.'
Mr Jenkins added that widow Sally had pointed out that although Burton's body was in Celigny his heart would be in Wales."
The reporter, Robert Glenton, was also in Pontrhydyfen that day to cover the event for the Sunday Express newspaper. His report, which would appear in the newspaper the following day reads;
"This is not a village where people lie abed. Even so they were up unusually early this morning. And as they walked the tilting, winding, houseproud lanes, there was much to see.
Those steel barriers flanking the tall, gaunt, flaking Victorian Baptist chapel called Bethel, the busy police cars and the uniforms on every corner.
It is hard, looking at Pontrhydyfen, to believe that Richard Burton was born here as a miner's son. For the slag heaps are as bright the General Strike of 1926 put paid to the last pit. Now with heather and as shady with tall trees as any Scottish glen. Nobody could have picked a finer day for a memorial service.
It was a morning for leaning on garden gates and watching the little crowd gathering outside Bethel's doors. A crowd at that time easily outnumbered by television crews.
Inside Bethel there was a certain amount of restrained panic. The usual congregation is about twenty. Today at least five hundred were expected.
There was great relief when Graham Jenkins, Burton's TV producer brother, rounded the corner with an armful of hymn sheets.
One's eyes first fell on a table set in front of the tall pulpit. It was entirely draped with the red Dragon of Wales. On top was a vase of deep red roses. By accident or design, it looked for all the world like a lying-in State. Save for the empty centre pews downstairs reserved for the family, Bethel was soon filled with the villagers of Pontrhydyfen. None were in sombre clothing. That was reserved for the solemn church elders. But most were in sleeveless dresses and open-neck shirts.
Only the rugby club tried to save the occasion with neat dark blazers and yellow ties.
At 11:15 the silver haired organist started to play.
Then at noon we stood.
Sally Burton, his widow, appeared first. Dressed in patterned black, she looked small, unhappy, and somehow very lonely, despite all her in-laws behind her.
We stood as the organ played Burton's favourite rugby song, Sospan Fach.
There were Welsh hymns sung as proudly as as grandly as you would expect in the valleys, with the rugby club and the ladies of the village harmoniously magnificent.
Fair-haired Kate Burton, his daughter, wearing a red jacket, red stockings and red shoes - the colour her father wore to remind him of Wales and the colour in which he was buried - climbed the pulpit to read from Dylan Thomas; "Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
The pastor, the Reverend Eric Williams, gave the eulogy. In Pontrhydyfen they boast he is a man with a word for every occasion.
When he referred to the gossip about Burton's private life, and said, "If we can't say a good word about someone, then shut up", everyone bowed a head in agreement.
More than five hundred listened to the hour long memorial service through loud speakers outside the chapel.
Few of Burton's showbusiness friends attended the service. They are expected to turn out in force at a memorial service in London. But opera singers Sir Geraint Evans and Stuart Burrows were there. And emotion reached a peak when nStuart sang a Welsh hymn. Women wept openly and the rugby men blinked back tears.
Sally Burton remained with the family for more than an hour after the service ended. Large crowds waited outside the little house.
As she left, still looking pale, in her Rolls Royce, the crowd broke into 'Sospan Fach'.
Missing from the emotion-charged service was Elizabeth Taylor, twice married to the actor, although she may pay a private visit next week.
Burton's brother, Graham, had the last word to the crowds. "Despite the fact that he's buried in Switzerland, you know his spirit is buried here."
The photograph presented next to the service sheet is of the Richard Burton Memorial Stone which was placed on his parents grave at the Jerusalem Chapel Graveyard, Pontrhydyfen in the November of 2006.
The service was presided over by the Reverend Eric Williams and readings were given by Kate Burton, Welsh poet Rhydwen Williams and Brook Williams.
The eminent British journalist Alan Road was in Pontrhydyfen that day for the memorial service on behalf of The Observer. His beautifully written piece, which was to appear in the paper the next day, reads;
"Two days after the burial of Richard Burton, superstar, in the Swiss tax haven he had made his home for more than twenty years, the villagers of Pontrhydyfen yesterday remembered Richard Jenkins, miner's son, who was born there fifty-eight years ago and went to work at the Co-op as a draper's assistant.
In death, as in life, this tiny village in the Afan valley had to share its most famous son with the world's media. But the service in Bethel Baptist Chapel was a fittingly Welsh event.
It was the first of a series of memorials for the actor on both sides of the Atlantic and his brother David, 70, likened it afterwards to a Welsh singing festival.
The red dragon flag of the Principality was draped beneath the pulpit, the hymns were sung in a melancholy minor key and the family and close friends entered the chapel to the muted strains of 'Sospan Fach', the rugby song, played on the organ.
Among the congregation were opera star Sir Geraint Evans, actor Clifford Evans and John Morgan, the broadcaster and writer.
Members of the immediate family, who accompanied Burton's widow, the former BBC production assistant Sally Hay, into the front pew of the tiny chapel were brothers Wil, David, Verdun and Graham, and sisters, Hilda Cecilia and Catherine.
Parts of the service were conducted in Welsh, the language of the actor's early years in the village. It was while attending evening service in Bethel last Sunday that Mrs Hilda Owen was told of the death of her brother from a cerebral haemorrhage.
loudspeakers relayed yesterday's events in the chapel to a crowd who sat in short sleeves or summer dresses on the sunny bank outside. They heard the minister, the Rev Eric Williams, describe Richard Burton as, 'a man who was one of us.'
A friend of the Jenkins family for seventeen years, Mr Williams said that Burton belonged to them, but he belonged also to the whole world. The village had lost a good son, 'He never forgot his roots and the rock he was hewn from.'
Brook Williams, a son of the actor Emlyn Williams and a close friend of Burton, read Dylan Thomas's 'And Death Shall Have No Dominion' and the actor's daughter, Kate read the poem 'Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night' with a soft American accent.
There were tears in the chapel when the young actress read the lines urging the poet's father to rage against the dying of the light.
The family had asked in vain that no cameras should be allowed inside the eighty year-old chapel. 'We're trying to keep it as tidy as possible,' said Mr Tom Owen, one of the organisers of the service. The family foiled waiting photographers by entering and leaving through the vestry.
It was, according to Philip Burton, the man who gave the Pontrhydyfen schoolboy his surname and his first lessons in acting, the cameras that had seduced Burton from his true destiny as a classical stage actor of great stature.
From the stone-built Non-conformist chapel it is possible to see the house where Richard Walter Jenkins was born on 10 November 1925, and the hillside churchyard where his parents are buried and where until last week, it was widely supposed that his body would lie.
'He had a plot over in Jerusalem', said Mr Owen, whose brother is married to Burton's sister Hilda.
It was to Pontrhydyfen and Hilda's terrace house behind the chapel that Burton had over the years brought a succession of beautiful women, like trophies, to be admired by the locals.
Former wife of two marriages, Elizabeth Taylor, who was a frequent guest in Penhydd Street, is expected to visit the village nest week.
According to school teacher Terry Rees, Burton would always arrive in the village unannounced. 'There ewould be a Rolls- Royce outside Hilda's place,' he said. 'Not many people in Pontrhydyfen run to a Rolls, and so we would know Richard was home.'
In more prosperous times Pontrhydyfen boasted a steelworks, a colliery and a copper works. Now the valley is green again and the purple heather is colonising the slag heaps.
After the ceremony Mr Graham Jenkins, who bears a considerable resemblance to his more famous brother, admitted that he could not disguise the family's disappointment that Burton was buried in Switzerland and not in Wales. 'But, if that's where he wanted to be buried, baby, that's where it will be.'
Mr Jenkins added that widow Sally had pointed out that although Burton's body was in Celigny his heart would be in Wales."
The reporter, Robert Glenton, was also in Pontrhydyfen that day to cover the event for the Sunday Express newspaper. His report, which would appear in the newspaper the following day reads;
"This is not a village where people lie abed. Even so they were up unusually early this morning. And as they walked the tilting, winding, houseproud lanes, there was much to see.
Those steel barriers flanking the tall, gaunt, flaking Victorian Baptist chapel called Bethel, the busy police cars and the uniforms on every corner.
It is hard, looking at Pontrhydyfen, to believe that Richard Burton was born here as a miner's son. For the slag heaps are as bright the General Strike of 1926 put paid to the last pit. Now with heather and as shady with tall trees as any Scottish glen. Nobody could have picked a finer day for a memorial service.
It was a morning for leaning on garden gates and watching the little crowd gathering outside Bethel's doors. A crowd at that time easily outnumbered by television crews.
Inside Bethel there was a certain amount of restrained panic. The usual congregation is about twenty. Today at least five hundred were expected.
There was great relief when Graham Jenkins, Burton's TV producer brother, rounded the corner with an armful of hymn sheets.
One's eyes first fell on a table set in front of the tall pulpit. It was entirely draped with the red Dragon of Wales. On top was a vase of deep red roses. By accident or design, it looked for all the world like a lying-in State. Save for the empty centre pews downstairs reserved for the family, Bethel was soon filled with the villagers of Pontrhydyfen. None were in sombre clothing. That was reserved for the solemn church elders. But most were in sleeveless dresses and open-neck shirts.
Only the rugby club tried to save the occasion with neat dark blazers and yellow ties.
At 11:15 the silver haired organist started to play.
Then at noon we stood.
Sally Burton, his widow, appeared first. Dressed in patterned black, she looked small, unhappy, and somehow very lonely, despite all her in-laws behind her.
We stood as the organ played Burton's favourite rugby song, Sospan Fach.
There were Welsh hymns sung as proudly as as grandly as you would expect in the valleys, with the rugby club and the ladies of the village harmoniously magnificent.
Fair-haired Kate Burton, his daughter, wearing a red jacket, red stockings and red shoes - the colour her father wore to remind him of Wales and the colour in which he was buried - climbed the pulpit to read from Dylan Thomas; "Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
The pastor, the Reverend Eric Williams, gave the eulogy. In Pontrhydyfen they boast he is a man with a word for every occasion.
When he referred to the gossip about Burton's private life, and said, "If we can't say a good word about someone, then shut up", everyone bowed a head in agreement.
More than five hundred listened to the hour long memorial service through loud speakers outside the chapel.
Few of Burton's showbusiness friends attended the service. They are expected to turn out in force at a memorial service in London. But opera singers Sir Geraint Evans and Stuart Burrows were there. And emotion reached a peak when nStuart sang a Welsh hymn. Women wept openly and the rugby men blinked back tears.
Sally Burton remained with the family for more than an hour after the service ended. Large crowds waited outside the little house.
As she left, still looking pale, in her Rolls Royce, the crowd broke into 'Sospan Fach'.
Missing from the emotion-charged service was Elizabeth Taylor, twice married to the actor, although she may pay a private visit next week.
Burton's brother, Graham, had the last word to the crowds. "Despite the fact that he's buried in Switzerland, you know his spirit is buried here."
The photograph presented next to the service sheet is of the Richard Burton Memorial Stone which was placed on his parents grave at the Jerusalem Chapel Graveyard, Pontrhydyfen in the November of 2006.
The Bethel Chapel, Pontrhydyfen as it appears today, sadly in decline and disrepair since Richard Burton's Memorial Service held in 1984.
Order of Service for the Thanksgiving For Richard Burton
The Royal Parish Church of St. Martin-In-The-Fields, 1984
The Order of Service for the Service of Thanksgiving for Richard Burton, C.B.E. which was held at the Royal Parish Church of St. Martin-In-The-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London on Thursday the 30th of August 1984.
Readings were given by Paul Scofield, Sir John Gielgud, Kate Burton, Richard Burton's niece Sian Owen and Emlyn Williams.
A recording of Richard Burton reading John Donne's poem, 'Death Be Not Proud' was also played at the end of the service.
The service included the hymns 'Cwm Rhondda', 'Jerusalem' and 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'.
Incidental music included two harp solo's by Sioned Williams, the Aria from Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers' sung by Stuart Burrows and the anthem 'O! Jesu Mawr' performed by the Rhos Cwm Tawe Choir. The service was conducted by the Reverend Charles Hedley.
Also included in the above display is a ticket for the service, issued in very limited supply to the general public. The programme and ticket were very probably printed by Hills and Lacy Limited of London.
The photograph which is shown alongside the Order of Service is of Elizabeth Taylor together with Richard Burton's beloved sister Cecilia on the steps of the church after leaving the Memorial Service.
Readings were given by Paul Scofield, Sir John Gielgud, Kate Burton, Richard Burton's niece Sian Owen and Emlyn Williams.
A recording of Richard Burton reading John Donne's poem, 'Death Be Not Proud' was also played at the end of the service.
The service included the hymns 'Cwm Rhondda', 'Jerusalem' and 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory'.
Incidental music included two harp solo's by Sioned Williams, the Aria from Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers' sung by Stuart Burrows and the anthem 'O! Jesu Mawr' performed by the Rhos Cwm Tawe Choir. The service was conducted by the Reverend Charles Hedley.
Also included in the above display is a ticket for the service, issued in very limited supply to the general public. The programme and ticket were very probably printed by Hills and Lacy Limited of London.
The photograph which is shown alongside the Order of Service is of Elizabeth Taylor together with Richard Burton's beloved sister Cecilia on the steps of the church after leaving the Memorial Service.
The Royal Parish Church of St.Martin-In-The-Fields London, the location of Richard Burton's Memorial Service held on August the 30th 1984.
Richard Burton Prince of Players 1925 - 1984
Port Talbot Memorial Tribute Programme, May 1985
A copy of the official programme for the Tribute to Richard Burton, 'Prince of Players - Afan's Tribute in Words and Music' event which was held at the Port Talbot Lido on Saturday the 11th of May, 1985.
The event was organised by the Tribute Committee, headed by His Worship the Mayor of Afan, Councillor William John Harris and members of the Afan Borough Council.
The evening was compered by D. Bryn Thomas and the Guard of Honour was provided by 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron of the Air Training Corps.
The opening prayer was given by the Reverend Eric Williams, who incidentally conducted the Pontrhydyfen Memorial Service at the Bethel Chapel in August, 1984.
The musical segments for the tribute were provided by the Cymric Male Choir, the Afan Glee Society, the Meibion Choir of Aberafan, the Pelenna Valley Male Choir and the British Steel (Port Talbot) Brass Band. The soloist was Haydn Mizen. The music performed included; 'God Bless the Prince of Wales', 'Climb Every Mountain', 'Mountains of my Home', 'Sospan Fach', and 'Amazing Grace'. The music was interspersed with selected poetry readings, extracts from William Shakespeare's 'Othello' and 'Hamlet' and 'Eli Jenkins' Prayer' from 'Under Milk Wood'.
The programme itself included many black and white images of Richard Burton. The cover portrait was a studio image taken during the filming of 'Look Back In Anger'. Other images included Burton at the B.B.C., as Coriolanus at the Old Vic, and two photographs taken of him on-location at Lower Fishguard during the filming of 'Under Milk Wood'.
The programme was printed locally by D.W. Jones (Printers) Limited of Port Talbot.
The event was organised by the Tribute Committee, headed by His Worship the Mayor of Afan, Councillor William John Harris and members of the Afan Borough Council.
The evening was compered by D. Bryn Thomas and the Guard of Honour was provided by 499 (Port Talbot) Squadron of the Air Training Corps.
The opening prayer was given by the Reverend Eric Williams, who incidentally conducted the Pontrhydyfen Memorial Service at the Bethel Chapel in August, 1984.
The musical segments for the tribute were provided by the Cymric Male Choir, the Afan Glee Society, the Meibion Choir of Aberafan, the Pelenna Valley Male Choir and the British Steel (Port Talbot) Brass Band. The soloist was Haydn Mizen. The music performed included; 'God Bless the Prince of Wales', 'Climb Every Mountain', 'Mountains of my Home', 'Sospan Fach', and 'Amazing Grace'. The music was interspersed with selected poetry readings, extracts from William Shakespeare's 'Othello' and 'Hamlet' and 'Eli Jenkins' Prayer' from 'Under Milk Wood'.
The programme itself included many black and white images of Richard Burton. The cover portrait was a studio image taken during the filming of 'Look Back In Anger'. Other images included Burton at the B.B.C., as Coriolanus at the Old Vic, and two photographs taken of him on-location at Lower Fishguard during the filming of 'Under Milk Wood'.
The programme was printed locally by D.W. Jones (Printers) Limited of Port Talbot.
This page was updated on the 29th of April, 2021
