3-082-438 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Mr. Alfred German Reed, 1895. 'Thousands of persons all over the United Kingdom heard with deep regret the news of Mr. Alfred German Reed's death, at the age of forty-eight years. He had not been well for some while, and retired from his part in "Melodramania" soon after it had been produced, on Dec. 19 last year. His illness terminated fatally on Sunday, March 10. He was the only son of the late Mr. [Thomas] German Reed and his talented wife [Mrs. German Reed, née Priscilla Horton], whose death we also record...At short notice, he appeared in the place of his father, who had met with an accident, and henceforward he became connected with the Entertainment. He had a keen perception of humour, an infectious laugh, a voice of considerable power, and an undoubted talent for stage management. Since 1876 he had been Mr. Corney Grain's partner at St. George's Hall, and the audiences there as well as in the provinces grew to appreciate his lively acting and cheery presence...There were evidences of keen observation in his study of mankind which made Alfred German Reed equally "real" as a waiter, a laird, or a knife-grinder; and lovers of what has been called "clean mirth" are sorry that no more will his hearty laugh be heard.' From "Illustrated London News", 1895.