Theatre Costume
1969
Artist/Maker |
In 1969, designer David Walker reconstructed three costumes from the 1653 French court ballet Ballet Royal de la nuit for Ballet For All, the Royal Ballet's educational demonstration group. He drew heavily on contemporary sources, including the existing designs, which are superb examples of Baroque theatre style. That style derived from the 17th and 18th century view of 'classical' history and the cut and decoration of the costumes recalls the chased breastplates and kilt of Roman armour. This ties in with the idea of the 'noble' being related to Roman militarism and virtues.
Walker’s reconstruction follows the outlines and style of the original designs, but interprets them in 20th century terms. The costumes are heavy, which helps the dancers get the feel of the dance style of the period; the fabrics are modern equivalents but the decoration is purely 20th century, being furniture trims available from any do-it-yourself store.
With Oliver Cromwell in power in England, many of the English Royal family were in exile in France, which explains why an English Duke, the 19-year-old James, Duke of York, played Victory. His role included a speech concerning the rights of kingship and the determination of a new young generation of princes to fight together for their kingdoms.
Walker’s reconstruction follows the outlines and style of the original designs, but interprets them in 20th century terms. The costumes are heavy, which helps the dancers get the feel of the dance style of the period; the fabrics are modern equivalents but the decoration is purely 20th century, being furniture trims available from any do-it-yourself store.
With Oliver Cromwell in power in England, many of the English Royal family were in exile in France, which explains why an English Duke, the 19-year-old James, Duke of York, played Victory. His role included a speech concerning the rights of kingship and the determination of a new young generation of princes to fight together for their kingdoms.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 12 parts. (Some alternative part names are also shown below)
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Brief description | Recreation of the costume worn by the Duke of York as Victory in the ballet 'Ballet Royal de la Nuit' (1653) worn by Oliver Symons and used in the production 'The Twelfth Rose', Ballet For All, Swan Theatre, Worcester, 1969 |
Physical description | Costume for the Duke of York as Victory worn by Oliver Symons. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by the Royal Academy of Dance |
Object history | Recreation of the costume worn by the Duke of York as Victory in the ballet 'Ballet Royal de la Nuit', 1653. The costume was worn by Oliver Symons, and used in the production 'The Twelfth Rose', performed by Ballet For All (part of The Royal Ballet) at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, September 1969. The choreography for the reconstruction was staged by Mary Skeaping, the music was by Camberfort, and the words were by Benserade (translated by Fergus Early). The costumes were designed by David Walker. |
Association | |
Literary reference | Le Ballet Royal de la Nuit |
Summary | In 1969, designer David Walker reconstructed three costumes from the 1653 French court ballet Ballet Royal de la nuit for Ballet For All, the Royal Ballet's educational demonstration group. He drew heavily on contemporary sources, including the existing designs, which are superb examples of Baroque theatre style. That style derived from the 17th and 18th century view of 'classical' history and the cut and decoration of the costumes recalls the chased breastplates and kilt of Roman armour. This ties in with the idea of the 'noble' being related to Roman militarism and virtues. Walker’s reconstruction follows the outlines and style of the original designs, but interprets them in 20th century terms. The costumes are heavy, which helps the dancers get the feel of the dance style of the period; the fabrics are modern equivalents but the decoration is purely 20th century, being furniture trims available from any do-it-yourself store. With Oliver Cromwell in power in England, many of the English Royal family were in exile in France, which explains why an English Duke, the 19-year-old James, Duke of York, played Victory. His role included a speech concerning the rights of kingship and the determination of a new young generation of princes to fight together for their kingdoms. |
Collection | |
Accession number | S.1658&K-1982 |
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Record created | September 20, 2004 |
Record URL |
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