Oscar Wilde In America

Charles Wyndham

Wilde Enters Literary Society

Sir Charles Wyndham (1837-1919) was born Charles Culverwell and became a friend to Oscar Wilde. 

He was the long-time actor/manager at the Criterion Theatre in London, which held the original contract to stage Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, before it was transferred to George Alexander at the St. James' Theatre.

Early in his life Wyndham spent two years working as a surgeon during the American Civil War, and in 1882 he returned to America where he met Wilde on at least two occasions. 

Both of these were celebratory meals given in honor of Wyndham in New York City: one was a brunch at the Hotel Dam, and the other was dinner at the Lotus Club at which Wilde gave a speech.

In 1889 he founded his own Wyndham's Theatre in London and was knighted for his services to the stage in 1902.

The New York Times, November 10, 1882, 8

The New York Times, October 29, 1882, 9