Wig for Widow Simone in Act I of Frederick Ashton's ballet La Fille Mal Gardée, Royal Opera House, 1960

Wig made from human hair hooked into a gauze cap. The hair is dyed a blue/grey colour and is held in small curls by white cotton rag bows. The cap is made from silk gauze, vegetable net, and a nylon lace front, with spring boning at the ears and forehead designed to keep the wig in place. The nape of the wig is elasticated

Given by the Royal Academy of Dance

First wig for Widow Simone worn in Act I of Frederick Ashton's ballet 'La Fille mal gardée', first performed by The Royal Ballet, 28th January 1960, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The wig was made in-house by Albert Sargood. The music was freely arranged and orchestrated by John Lanchbery after the score by Ferdinand Hérold, and the scenery and costumes were designed by Osbert Lancaster. The original cast featured Nadia Nerina, David Blair, Stanley Holden, Leslie Edwards, and Alexander Grant.

This immensely popular work has featured in the repertory of many ballet companies throughout the world including the Australian Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the Bolshoi Ballet.

Reason For Production: Commission

This is the first wig worn by the character of Widow Simone in Act I of Frederick Ashton's ballet La Fille Mal Gardée, first performed by The Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1960. This wig was made in-house by the Royal Opera House's wigmaster Albert Sargood, and the scenery and costumes were designed by Osbert Lancaster. The original cast featured Nadia Nerina, David Blair, Stanley Holden, Leslie Edwards, and Alexander Grant.

S.1572-1982