Not currently on display at the V&A

Wig

Wig
ca.1905-1930 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Wig in curling papers, possibly worn by the dancer Adeline Genée, early 20th Century. Most wigs for the stage are made from human or animal hair, knotted into a net base. These materials are flexible and light to wear under the hot stage lights. This wig is still in its curling papers waiting to be styled, and may not have been worn on stage.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleWig (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Human hair and newspaper on netting
Brief description
Wig in curling papers, possibly worn by Adeline Genée, early 20th Century.
Physical description
Wig made from light brown human hair set into curling papers made out of newspaper. The hair has been woven and knotted into a wig cap. The wig cap is made from caul net over the crown, and from cotton gauze at the forehead and nape. Cross-springs at the ears of the wig would have kept the wig in place on the head.
Dimensions
  • Circumference: 54.6cm
Marks and inscriptions
"W. Clarkson, 41 & 43 Wardour Street"
Credit line
Given by the Royal Academy of Dance
Association
Summary
Wig in curling papers, possibly worn by the dancer Adeline Genée, early 20th Century. Most wigs for the stage are made from human or animal hair, knotted into a net base. These materials are flexible and light to wear under the hot stage lights. This wig is still in its curling papers waiting to be styled, and may not have been worn on stage.
Collection
Accession number
S.1515-1982

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Record createdOctober 28, 2004
Record URL
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