An Original Early Photograph Signed by Henry Irving. Dated 1884 in America. During 1870's and 1880's Irving traveled extensively tot he US. Sir Henry Irving 1838 – 1905), born John Henry Brodribb, sometimes known as J. H. Irving, was an English stage actor in the Victorian era, known as an actor-manager because he took complete responsibility (supervision of sets, lighting, direction, casting, as well as playing the leading roles) for season after season at the West End’s Lyceum Theatre, establishing himself and his company as representative of English classical theatre. In 1895 he became the first actor to be awarded a knighthood, indicating full acceptance into the higher circles of British society. Irving is widely acknowledged to be one of the inspirations for Count Dracula, the title character of the 1897 novel Dracula whose author, Bram Stoker, was business manager of the theatre. The photograph is 164mm x 106mm and in good condition. Light finger marking and edges rubbed.