Not currently on display at the V&A

Costume Design

1981 (made)
Artist/Maker

This costume design is essentially a technical blueprint, rather than a work of 'art'. The majority of designers do not draw how the costume should be constructed and worn.
Although theatre designs are often considered works of art and are sought after by museums and private collectors, their artistic worth or decorative qualities are secondary to whether they 'work' on stage. The success of a costume design cannot be judged until it is translated into fabric, texture and decoration by the costume makers and seen as part of the whole stage picture. Some designers are very knowledgeable about costume making and produce very detailed designs, with notes on fabrics and making techniques, others create an 'atmospheric' drawing, which gives the feeling of the costume, and they then either work closely with the costume maker to realise their concept or have trusted makers who know their work and can create the effects they have in mind.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Costume design by Alix Stone for Soldiers in a production of "Romeo and Juliet", English National Opera, London Coliseum, 1981
Physical description
Costume design for Soldiers. Five male figures, back and front, wearing breastplates two with shields and devices on their arm guards; the two back facing figures show the undertunic and the straps attaching the breastplate.
Production typeUnique
Credit line
Given by Dr Ray Ingram
Object history
Costume design by Alix Stone for Soldiers in a production of Charles Gounod's opera "Romeo and Juliet", performed by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, January 14th 1981. J. Barbier & M Carre's libretto was translated by Edmund Tracey. The production was directed by Colin Graham; conducted by Louis Fremaux; lit by Mark Henderson; choreographed by Pauline Grant; and the fights were arranged by Peter Woodward. The cast included John Brecknock as Romeo, and Valerie Masterson as Juliet.

The production was subsequently revived at the London Coliseum in January 1983.
Production
Reason For Production: Commission
Associations
Literary referenceRomeo and Juliet
Summary
This costume design is essentially a technical blueprint, rather than a work of 'art'. The majority of designers do not draw how the costume should be constructed and worn.
Although theatre designs are often considered works of art and are sought after by museums and private collectors, their artistic worth or decorative qualities are secondary to whether they 'work' on stage. The success of a costume design cannot be judged until it is translated into fabric, texture and decoration by the costume makers and seen as part of the whole stage picture. Some designers are very knowledgeable about costume making and produce very detailed designs, with notes on fabrics and making techniques, others create an 'atmospheric' drawing, which gives the feeling of the costume, and they then either work closely with the costume maker to realise their concept or have trusted makers who know their work and can create the effects they have in mind.
Collection
Accession number
S.86-2004

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJanuary 13, 2005
Record URL
Download as: JSON