Not currently on display at the V&A

Tinsel Print

19th century (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Tinsel print depicting Edmund Kean as Coriolanus.

Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits, often of theatrical stars in popular roles. The decorating of prints with scraps of material and foil became a popular hobby in the first half of the 19th century and was 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
Stipple engraving with tinsel additions
Brief description
Tinsel print depicting Edmund Kean as Coriolanus
Physical description
Tinsel print depicting Edmund Kean as Coriolanus, half length, with a silver breastplate and a red cloak, holding a sword over his right shoulder. Mounted in a rectangular card mount, decorated in gold and green.
Dimensions
  • Height: 11.6cm
  • Width: 9.6cm
Marks and inscriptions
Transliteration
Summary
Tinsel print depicting Edmund Kean as Coriolanus.

Tinsel prints were created from etched portraits, often of theatrical stars in popular roles. The decorating of prints with scraps of material and foil became a popular hobby in the first half of the 19th century and was 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.98-1981

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Record createdMarch 12, 2010
Record URL
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