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Book 'From School to Stage' by Phyllis Dare, 1907. Frontpiece is signed by Ivor Novello as well as the author and her sister Zena.

Phyllis and Zena Dare were English actresses. From the 1930s Novello performed with Zena, writing parts for her in his works. In 1949 Phyllis and Zena performed with Ivor Novello in ‘King’s Rapsody’, a musical composed by Novello. The book was probably signed at this period rather than in 1907.

Ivor Novello (1893-1951) was a Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. He was born in Cardiff, the son of Clara Novello Davies. A gay man, his sexuality was an open secret in the theatrical world he was a part of.