Not currently on display at the V&A

Neck Chain

ca. 1900 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This neck chain with crucifix was worn on stage by Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905), one of the greatest actor-managers in the history of the British stage and the first actor ever to be awarded a knighthood. Born in Somerset as John Henry Brodribb, Irving began his professional acting career at the age of eighteen despite parental disapproval. In 1866, after working for ten years in the provinces, he came to the St James's Theatre in London as actor and stage manager. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company in 1871, and that November his triumphant performance as Mathias in The Bells won him universal acclaim. He assumed management of the Lyceum Theatre in 1878, beginning an association with the theatre that lasted for over twenty years.

Irving's productions at the Lyceum were famous for their scenic effects, visual spectacle and the care and expense lavished on the set and the costumes. This neck chain is surprisingly light, being carved from Irish bog oak, according to Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson, the great theatrical collectors who gave it to the donor who in turn presented it to the Theatre Museum.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved wood and cotton thread
Brief description
Neck chain and crucifix worn on stage by Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905). Carved from Irish bog oak. Given by Mary Miller.
Physical description
Wooden crucifix tied with black cotton thread to a long neck chain composed of alternate round and oval wooden links, the oval links being split to allow the round links to pass through. Given with 10 separate spare round links. Carved from Irish bog oak and stained black.
Dimensions
  • Of chain length: 114cm
  • Of round links diameter: 2.1cm
  • Of oval links length: 2.3cm
  • Length: 6.8cm
  • Of crucifix width: 4.1cm
  • Of crucifix depth: 0.3cm
Credit line
Given by Mary Miller
Association
Summary
This neck chain with crucifix was worn on stage by Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905), one of the greatest actor-managers in the history of the British stage and the first actor ever to be awarded a knighthood. Born in Somerset as John Henry Brodribb, Irving began his professional acting career at the age of eighteen despite parental disapproval. In 1866, after working for ten years in the provinces, he came to the St James's Theatre in London as actor and stage manager. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company in 1871, and that November his triumphant performance as Mathias in The Bells won him universal acclaim. He assumed management of the Lyceum Theatre in 1878, beginning an association with the theatre that lasted for over twenty years.

Irving's productions at the Lyceum were famous for their scenic effects, visual spectacle and the care and expense lavished on the set and the costumes. This neck chain is surprisingly light, being carved from Irish bog oak, according to Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson, the great theatrical collectors who gave it to the donor who in turn presented it to the Theatre Museum.
Collection
Accession number
S.61-2005

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Record createdJune 13, 2005
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