Othello
Helmet
1912 (made)
1912 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Helmet worn by Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the title role in Shakespeare's Othello, His Majesty's Theatre, London, 1912.
The helmet is inspired by Indo Persian design, though it is not an authentic reproduction. The high crown is more reminiscent of Turkish helmets. The crowns of Indo Persian helmets are usually shallower, as can be seen in an example in the V&A’s collection (118A-1852), and the originals have subtler incised and gilded decoration. The leaf pattern decoration on Tree’s helmet is designed to be seen from a distance under theatre lights.
Originally there would have been tufts of green feathers in the mounts above each eye, and the tall mount at the apex would have held a yellow plume. These can be seen in Charles Buchel painting of Tree as Othello, also in the V&A collections (S.218-1987). The painting shows a chainmail neckguard, but there are no attachment points for this on the helmet itself. On stage the chainmail was probably simulated by a fabric headscarf.
The helmet is inspired by Indo Persian design, though it is not an authentic reproduction. The high crown is more reminiscent of Turkish helmets. The crowns of Indo Persian helmets are usually shallower, as can be seen in an example in the V&A’s collection (118A-1852), and the originals have subtler incised and gilded decoration. The leaf pattern decoration on Tree’s helmet is designed to be seen from a distance under theatre lights.
Originally there would have been tufts of green feathers in the mounts above each eye, and the tall mount at the apex would have held a yellow plume. These can be seen in Charles Buchel painting of Tree as Othello, also in the V&A collections (S.218-1987). The painting shows a chainmail neckguard, but there are no attachment points for this on the helmet itself. On stage the chainmail was probably simulated by a fabric headscarf.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Othello (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Copper and brass |
| Brief description | Copper and brass helmet, worn by Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the title role in Shakespeare's Othello, His Majesty's Theatre, London, 1912 |
| Physical description | Helmet for Othello worn by Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Helmet of Indo Persian style. Copper with undulating leaf pattern round edge, and brass decorations around pointed crown mount, and to sides of crown. At centre front is an adjustable copper arrowhead nose guard, trimmed on the arrowhead and at the upper end with brass motifs. On sides of the crown, to either side of the centre front, are funnel mounts with arrowhead bases. The side mounts were the base for tufted chicken feather cockades, and the top for a high cockade of mixed feathers. |
| Production type | Unique |
| Object history | Helmet for Othello worn by Herbert Beerbohm Tree in William Shakespeare's play Othello, performed at His Majesty's Theatre, London, opening on 9 April 1912. The music for the production was composed by Coleridge Taylor, and the choreography was by Signor Rossi. The scenery was designed by Harker and Craven, and the costumes were designed by Percy Macquoid, R.I., and made by B J Simmons & Co. The wigs were by W Clarkson. Purchased Christie's 5th December 1984, Lot 81 £120 |
| Production | Reason For Production: Commission |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Associations | |
| Literary reference | Othello |
| Summary | Helmet worn by Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the title role in Shakespeare's Othello, His Majesty's Theatre, London, 1912. The helmet is inspired by Indo Persian design, though it is not an authentic reproduction. The high crown is more reminiscent of Turkish helmets. The crowns of Indo Persian helmets are usually shallower, as can be seen in an example in the V&A’s collection (118A-1852), and the originals have subtler incised and gilded decoration. The leaf pattern decoration on Tree’s helmet is designed to be seen from a distance under theatre lights. Originally there would have been tufts of green feathers in the mounts above each eye, and the tall mount at the apex would have held a yellow plume. These can be seen in Charles Buchel painting of Tree as Othello, also in the V&A collections (S.218-1987). The painting shows a chainmail neckguard, but there are no attachment points for this on the helmet itself. On stage the chainmail was probably simulated by a fabric headscarf. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.474-1984 |
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| Record created | August 12, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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