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Stephen Albert (S.A.) Doblo (Aust., 1882–1943).

Four Kings [Australian Female Acrobatic Artists, Dancers & Singers]

c1918. Vintage silver gelatin photograph, inscribed in ink by an unknown hand on image lower right, photographer’s label and annotations in ink on backing verso, 11 x 14.2cm. Creases with cracking, some with retouching, minor missing portions to edges, laid down on replaced backing. Provenance: Marjorie Graham, author and collector.

Inscription reads “Yours sincerely, Four Kings.” Photographer’s label reads “S.A. Doblo, Sun Studio [Townsville].” Annotations by Marjorie Graham include notes on the stabilising of the photograph, and names of previous owners.

The Four Kings was a successful Australian vaudeville act paradoxically consisting of four young female performers. Considered to be a “remarkably clever team” of acrobats, dancers and singers, they toured Australia and New Zealand with Fuller’s Vaudeville from about 1913 to 1919. Two of the Four Kings, Marie Loughlin and Thelma Duff, contributed to the Stiffy and Mo programme in later years. Ref: The Daily Telegraph, (Syd.), 13.6.1946; Sporting Globe, (Melb.), 11.5.1935.

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Item #CL208-23

Price (AUD): $770.00  other currencies