Not currently on display at the V&A

Tinsel Print

September 1839 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Tinsel print depicting Mr. O. Smith in the character of Baron Rutheren the Terrible. Published by J. l. Marks in September 1839 in London
Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits of theatrical stars in popular roles they played on the London stage. They were hand-painted in watercolour and decorated with scraps of material and tinsel additions. They were popular during the first half of the 19th century and were considered an adult, rather than a child's hobby. By the 1830s it was possible to buy the tinsel, leather and feather ornaments to go with each image.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Stippled engraving watercoloured with tinsels and setin applique on paper
Brief description
Tinsel print depicting Mr. O. Smith in the character of Baron Rutheren the Terrible. Published by J. l. Marks in September 1839 in London.
Physical description
This print depicts the actor wearing a silver armore with a brown and yellow tunic and a dark red cloak and sleeves.
Dimensions
  • Height: 25.4cm
  • Width: 21.1cm
Marks and inscriptions
Transliteration
Subject depicted
Summary
Tinsel print depicting Mr. O. Smith in the character of Baron Rutheren the Terrible. Published by J. l. Marks in September 1839 in London
Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits of theatrical stars in popular roles they played on the London stage. They were hand-painted in watercolour and decorated with scraps of material and tinsel additions. They were popular during the first half of the 19th century and were considered an adult, rather than a child's hobby. By the 1830s it was possible to buy the tinsel, leather and feather ornaments to go with each image.
Collection
Accession number
S.753-1981

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Record createdMarch 12, 2010
Record URL
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