DS, one page, 8.5 x 6, 1864. Dickens signs a receipt for a quarterly pension payment to his destitute friend, dramatist John Poole. Dickens signs for a payment of £24.15 for the quarter from July 1 to September 30, 1864, signing at the bottom over the one- penny inland revenue stamp. Poole had achieved early fame, but by the 1840s he was reduced to performing menial tasks in the theatre. The Dickens Amateurs would perform many benefits for Poole between 1845 and 1850. This led to Dickens petitioning the Crown for a yearly £100 pension for Poole, which Dickens would receive and pay to Poole directly. Double suede matted and framed with a portrait of Dickens, a small name plaque and an explanatory panel, to an overall size of 36 x 23.5. Intersecting folds, a bit of light toning, missing top left corner tip and several stamps, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA. Oversized.
