The library at the Society of Genealogists is a wondrous thing and for those of us who are fortunate enough to pass the hours of the day in such magical places, we often find they divulge their secrets slowly. After nearly twenty years of membership at SOG, I stumbled upon a couple of scrapbooks belonging to the theatre enthusiast and critic John Malcolm Bulloch, each contained two collections of newspaper clippings concerning certain 19th century actresses proving that Bulloch was a particular devotee of Mabel Love – that, however, is another story.
Bulloch’s main contribution to theatre history is often understated and yet he was responsible for compiling ‘Hereditary Theatrical Families‘ – a glorious work consisting of seventy-six families and their family pedigrees*. Bulloch’s output was the early 20th century equivalent of ‘Who do you think you are?’ He was fascinated by acting families and their connections, writing that ‘acting is a peculiarly hereditary talent, so infectious, in fact, that actors’ children take to it in spite of any discouragement that may be offered.’
The oldest house in Bulloch’s book is that of the Kembles/Sarah Siddons family:
Bulloch’s book can now be found on the CD-ROM ‘Who’s who in the Theatre 1922’ – alternatively go and view the book in the marvellous library at the Society of Genealogists.
Related posts:
Theatrical families and their connections
MJ Holman @mishjholman
*Remember the golden rule concerning family pedigrees: always check and verify information before accepting them, even if they come from the pen of an illustrious fellow and equal of J.M. Bulloch. Campling received the treatment from yours truly and was found wanting, anyone can make mistakes… including me.
