Vivien Leigh Signed Photo Lot – COA JSA

Vivien Leigh Signed Photo Lot Don McCulty – COA JSA

Movie Star Icon – Vivian Leigh Signed Vintage Original Fan Club Photo Showing Her in Famous BBQ Dress, Letters from Shirley Temple, Olivia de Havilland & Roy Rogers, Club Stuff etc.(Don McCulty Vivien Leigh Publicist Collection)

This originates from the Don Leigh McCulty collection. Back in the day, McCulty was the Vivien Leigh fan club president and archivist. Being the fan club president had its perks, as he was closely connected to her friends (movie stars, photographers) and family.

McCulty’s collection is extensive and supported in provenance by his frequent letters of correspondence with those in Vivien’s inner circle It should be noted that McCulty was particularly fond of rare photographs.

Many of the items in his collection were obtained from famous stage photographer and friend Angus McBean. McBean’s work can be found in many elite photo collections throughout the world. Leigh was his favorite muse and he spent most of his career shooting her portraits.

Because of their close friendship, often, McBean offered McCulty gifts. Beyond the obvious endowing of photography, these gifts included locks of hair and a piece of the Gone with the Wind – Scarlett O’Hara barbecue dress.   It should be noted that John Vickers, one of McBean’s prodigies, also gifted McCulty many original photos.

This photograph taken by McBean was for members of the fan club McCulty gathered. This wallet size tribute (2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″) originates from McCulty and was signed by Leigh in pen (“8”).

Also from the fan club in this collection are letters to Don from Shirley Temple, Olivia de Havilland and Roy Rogers.   Also included is a fan club questionnaire, blank membership card, three wallet size photos, an art card celebrating Gone with the Wind and Scarlett’s relationship with Mammy, a fan club handbook etc.  

Authentication: JSA Auction House Letter